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Biomedical subjects

N Otsuka

Publications and source records attributed to N Otsuka.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Influence of exercise and degenerative vertebral changes on BMD: a cross-sectional study in Japanese men.

The effects of recreational exercise and milk intake on BMD were assessed in Japanese men using analysis of covariance with significant predictor variables, selected from age, height, body weight and body mass index (BMI), as covariates. The influence of degenerative vertebral changes on these effects was also evaluated. Recreational exercise was found to be positively associated with BMD at the lumbar spine and the femoral neck, whereas milk intake, a possible indicator of calcium intake in the Japanese, was positively associated with BMD at the radius and the lumbar spine. Not only vertebral BMD but also radial and femoral neck BMD was higher in the subjects with osteophytosis or sclerosis in the lumbar vertebrae. Neither exercise nor lumbar pain was significantly related to these vertebral changes. These data suggest a protective effect of regular recreational exercise and milk intake on bone health in Japanese men.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Effects of NCPAP therapy on fibrinogen levels in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

In patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), the blood coagulation system may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, which occur most frequently in the morning. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) treatment can improve the mortality of patients with OSAS. We measured the plasma fibrinogen concentration, which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, in the afternoon (3:30 P.M.) and the next morning upon awakening (8:30 A.M.) in 11 patients with OSAS (apnea and hypopnea index > 20) before and after NCPAP therapy. We also measured the hematocrit, the C-reactive protein, and the total plasma protein at the same time. The plasma fibrinogen and hematocrit levels in the morning (298 +/- 16 mg/dl and 48.5 +/- 1.5%, mean +/- SEM) were significantly higher than on the previous afternoon (275 +/- 14 mg/dl and 46.6 +/- 1.3%) (fibrinogen, p < 0.02; hematocrit, p < 0.005). The whole blood viscosity (WBV) at a shear rate of 208 inverse seconds, which can be predicted based on the hematocrit and total plasma protein, was also significantly higher in the morning (4.98 +/- 0.20/s) than in the afternoon (4.73 +/- 0.17/s) (p < 0.005). These increases in the plasma fibrinogen concentration and the WBV in the morning disappeared after NCPAP treatment. The attenuation of morning increases in the plasma fibrinogen concentration and WBV induced by NCPAP treatment may contribute to an overall improvement in the mortality from cardiovascular events in patients with OSAS.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

No effect of high-protein food on the stereoselective bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of verapamil.

The effects of high-protein food on the bioavailability of both the racemate and individual enantiomers of verapamil were investigated in 12 healthy volunteers using a randomized crossover design. Food had no effect on any parameter of bioavailability for both the racemate and the individual enantiomers of verapamil except time to maximum concentration (tmax), which was significantly prolonged after food intake. The pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of norverapamil were not significantly changed by food intake. These results suggest that high-protein food does not alter the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of either the racemate or the individual enantiomers of verapamil. Therefore, the clinical efficacy of verapamil is not related to food intake, except for a slight prolongation in the time to onset of the pharmacologic effects. The present data can be applied to the high-protein content meal intake.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1996

[Effects of topical application of isopropyl unoprostone on refraction and accommodation].

The effect of topical application of prostaglandin-related compound isopropyl unoprostone on refraction and accommodation were examined. Topical application of isopropyl unoprostone obviously reduced the intraocular pressure, but no significant change in refraction was observed. Amplitude of accommodation, i.e., near point and far point of accommodation, were kept unchanged, although isopropyl unoprostone produced a slight hyperopic shift in dark focus of accommodation. These findings suggest that the reduction of intraocular pressure needs to be explained by a mechanism other than the relaxation of ciliary muscles.

Accommodation, Ocular↗
PubMed1996

[Outcome of long-term nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation in 41 patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure].

Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is widely used in domiciliary treatment of chronic ventilatory disorders. The outcomes of long-term NIPPV were analyzed in 41 patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure due to pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae (PTS; n = 17), neuromuscular disease (NMD; n = 8), kyphoscoliosis (KS; n = 7), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; n = 6), and miscellaneous diseases (n = 3). Twenty-seven patients with chronic conditions but without acute exacerbations began receiving NIPPV, and fourteen patients began receiving NIPPV after an acute exacerbation. Outcome measures included the probability of continuing NIPPV, survival after starting NIPPV, survival after starting home oxygen therapy (HOT), arterial blood gases, nocturnal oxygen saturation, pulmonary function, and the number of hospital days. Two patients with PTS died, 7 and 40 months after starting NIPPV. Two patients (one with PTS and one with COPD) switched from NIPPV to intermittent positive pressure ventilation via a tracheostomy. The condition of one patient with NMD improved and NIPPV was discontinued. The three-year and five-year probabilities of continuing NIPPV in all patients were 82%, and 71%, respectively. The survival rates three and five years after starting NIPPV were 97% and 85%, respectively. The survival rates one to nine years, and ten to eleven years after starting HOT were 98% and 65%, respectively. The arterial PO2 and PCO2, nocturnal oxygen saturation, vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume, in one second all improved after NIPPV was begun. NIPPV also reduced the number of hospital days, particularly in patients with KS. In conclusion, the long-term outcome of NIPPV in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure is encouraging.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Temporary use of chest negative pressure ventilation to facilitate closure of a tracheal stoma before domiciliary nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation].

A 67-year-old patient with pulmonary tuberculosis sequela had undergone a tracheostomy. The patient was receiving nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation and the stoma failed to close. Temporary use of chest negative pressure ventilation facilitated closure of the stoma and probably shortened the patient's hospital stay. Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation at home was begun safely and effectively.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Neuronal localization of CD38 antigen in the human brain.

CD38 is a lymphocyte differentiation antigen which is involved in the cyclic ADP-ribose-mediated second messenger system. We provide immunochemical and immunohistochemical evidence for the expression of CD38 in the adult human brain. We used six polyclonal antibodies against synthetic CD38 polypeptides, in addition to four monoclonal antibodies already available. Brain CD38 was detectable by Western blotting after immunoaffinity purification of the brain extracts. Immunoperoxidase staining localized CD38 immunoreactivity to the perikarya and dendrites of many neurons, such as the cerebellar Purkinje cells, implying that CD38 is involved in the signal transduction within the central nervous system neurons.

ADP-ribosyl Cyclase↗
PubMed1995

[Detection of hepatitis B virus by using polymerase chain reaction and nonradioactive DNA probes. I. Identification of mutations in the precore region by PCR-direct sequencing and ASO probe method].

Seroconversion from hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) to anti-HBe antibody (anti-HBe) frequently occurs in hosts chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Further, this phenomenon is related to a point mutation from guanine to adenine at nucleotide 83 in the precore region of HBV, which, converts codon 28 for tryptophan (TGG:W) to a translational, stop codon (TAG:X). Therefore, we decided to examine HBV in sera from patients for mutations in the precore region by a simple allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probe method. Direct sequencing was first performed on DNA fragments amplified by the polymerase chain reaction in order to establish whether there were mutations in the precore region. Subsequently, specific DNA probes were applied to detection of mutations in the precore region. Subsequently, specific DNA probes were applied to detection of mutations in the precore gene. Five unknown mutations (I10N, C12W, C14S, V17F and A19D), three known mutations (I9V, W28X and G29D) and for novel nucleotide insertions were identified in anti-HBe positive sera. By using seven nonradioactive probes, we could determine the mutations at codons 9, 28 and 29 in anti-HBe positive sera. The W28X mutation was found in anti-HBe positive but not in any of HBeAg positive sera. Meanwhile, wild-type strains of HBV were detectable in sera from patients who were positive to HBeAg or anti-HBe. This ASO probe assay could determine in a few days the mutations in the precore region of HBV, especially including the defect to prohibit the synthesis and secretion of HBeAg.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

[Detection and localization of enlarged parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism using 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI): a study of subtraction scintigraphy with 99mTc-pertechnetate].

In this study we investigated the detectability of abnormal parathyroid gland(s) by 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy in patients with hyperparathyroidism. The subjects were 6 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) with a single adenoma and 13 patients with renal hyperparathyroidism (RHP) on chronic maintenance hemodialysis. The imaging data of 99mTc-pertechnetate were subtracted from those of 99mTc-MIBI (MIBI-Tc), and number and location of the positive images on scintigrams were compared with those obtained by conventional scintigraphy using 201Tl-Cl and 99mTc-pertechnetate (Tl-Tc). All of the patients underwent surgery, and the number and location of the abnormal parathyroid glands were confirmed. The number of resected parathyroid glands were 6 in PHP and 52 in RHP. The detectability of MIBI-Tc was 83.3% in PHP and 51.9% in RHP, while that of Tl-Tc was 100% and 44.2%, respectively. Although no statistically significant difference in the detectability was found between MIBI-Tc and Tl-Tc, the number of false positives with MIBI-Tc was less than that with Tl-Tc. The detectability of MIBI-Tc depended on the size of the parathyroid gland. The maximal diameter and weight of the smallest parathyroid gland detected were 15 mm and 290 mg in PHP, and 9 mm and 50 mg in RHP. The existence of the thyroid gland did not reduce the detectability of MIBI-Tc. In conclusion, MIBI-Tc was clinically very useful for the detection of abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Serial 123I-IMP SPECT in a case of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis].

We performed serial brain perfusion SPECT studies using 123I-IMP in the course of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Increased perfusion was detected in the cerebellum coinciding with the appearance of the abnormality on MRI. The perfusion in the lesion was then decreased as the abnormality on MRI disappeared. Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis should be also taken in the differential diagnosis when the inflammatory brain lesion shows increased perfusion.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

[Study on tumor accumulation property of 99mTc-HM-PAO and 99mTc-MIBI in rabbits bearing VX-2 cancer].

Each of blood flow imaging agents has a potential usefulness as an agent for tumor scintigraphy. The usefulness for tumor scintigraphy of two agents, i.e. cerebral blood flow scintigraphy agent 99mTc-HM-PAO and myocardial blood flow scintigraphy agent 99mTc-MIBI, was comparatively studied using rabbits bearing VX-2 cancer. From then to twenty days after the implantation of VX-2 cancer into the femoral region of five rabbits, tumor to soft tissue accumulation ratio (T/S ratio) of each agent was calculated in early images (5 min after injection) and in late images (50 min after injection). Compared with 99mTc-MIBI, the T/S ratio of 99mTc-HM-PAO was higher and, moreover, the washout was delayed. These results suggest that there is a difference in tumor accumulation property between these two agents.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Detection of human cytomegalovirus DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction].

Detection of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA from peripheral blood and urine specimens taken from renal transplant and bone marrow transplant recipients was examined by using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results by the PCR were compared with those of healthy subjects. Oligonucleotide primers were used to amplify the immediate-early (IE) and the late antigen (V) genes of CMV. Amplified DNA products were identified by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis and by Southern hybridization with alkaline phosphatase-labeled probes. Twenty eight blood specimens from 118 healthy subjects were positive for the V gene fragment of CMV, whereas the IE gene fragment was more associated with a negative result (116 of 118 specimens). When amplified with mixed primer pairs, no blood and urine specimens simultaneously produced the PCR products of two separate CMV genes. In the case of transplant patients, however, 50 of 139 blood specimens and 34 of 117 urine specimens were positive with the V primers, and 23 blood and 17 urine specimens were positive with the IE primers. Using mixed primer pairs, amplification of two CMV genes was detected in 14 blood and 10 urine specimens. In three cases of bone marrow transplant recipients, amplification of two CMV genes was detectable prior to anti-CMV IgM development. From these results, we suggest that detection of CMV-DNA by nested PCR with mixed primer pairs may be a valuable tool for diagnosing CMV infections.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae by using polymerase chain reaction and nonradioactive DNA probes].

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the causative agent of primary atypical pneumoniae, and two distinct groups (I and II) have been established. Serological tests are relatively insensitive and the diagnosis by culture is time-consuming. This study was therefore undertaken to detect and to identify M. pneumoniae on culture media and in throat swab specimens by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybridization probes conjugated to alkaline phosphatase (Alp). Primer pairs were selected for amplification of DNA fragments in the C to D, F, G and I to J regions of the M. pneumoniae cytadhesin P1 genes. Amplified DNA fragments were visualized by staining with ethidium bromide after 2% agarose gel electrophoresis and by Southern hybridization with Alp-labeled probes. No amplification of the P1 genes was seen with any of five related Mycoplasma species, the others from M. pneumoniae. In all of 30 clinical isolates on PPLO medium, M. pneumoniae was detected with the F and G primer pairs, giving 100% of sensitivity. Of 69 throat swab specimens, 25 were positive with the F primer pairs, and 23 positive with the Gen Probe test. From these results, we conclude that the PCR with F or G primer pairs can be adapted as a practical method for the rapid diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infections.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗
PubMed1994

[The usefulness of early whole body bone scintigraphy in the detection of bone metastasis from prostatic cancer].

Early whole body bone scintigraphy was performed on 25 patients with prostatic cancer (15 cases with bone metastases and 10 cases without bone metastasis) to obtain anterior and posterior whole body images five minutes after administration of 99mTc-HMDP. The results were compared with the findings of routine bone scintigraphy after three hours, and the usefulness of the above method for the diagnosis of bone metastasis from prostatic cancer was evaluated. In cases in which increased activity was found in the upper and lower lumbar vertebrae by routine bone scintigraphy but no abnormality was seen by early whole body bone scintigraphy, senile degenerative bone changes such as spondylosis deformans were observed by bone radiography. In cases with multiple bone metastases, abnormal multiple accumulations were found by both early whole body bone scintigraphy and routine bone scintigraphy. In addition, in cases showing super bone scan, high accumulation in the skeletal system had already been detected by early whole body bone scintigraphy. When the courses before and after treatment in nine cases of multiple bone metastases were passaged from the results of early whole body bone scintigraphy and from changes in tumor markers (prostatic specific antigen, gamma-semino protein and prostatic acid phosphatase), increased activity and the appearance of new hot spots as well as an increase in tumor markers were detected by early whole body scintigraphy in three of the four advanced cases, whereas decreased accumulations and a decrease in and normalization of tumor markers were observed in five improved cases.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1994

[Detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using PCR and non-radioactive DNA probes: IV. Mutational sequences in the region upstream of the mec A gene in clinical staphylococcal strains].

Expression of mec A is regulated by two regulatory genes (mecR1 and mecI); the intact regulatory genes exist in the N315 strain of methicillin-sensitive S. aureus, whereas the repressor gene (mecI) is deleted in the MR108 strain of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). However, our previous findings that clinical strains of N315 type were methicillin-resistant suggest possible mutations within the operator region, by which the inhibitory effect of MecI is released to induce the constitutive expression of mec A. Therefore, we analyzed nucleotide sequences in the region upstream of the mec A gene and in the regulatory genes, by using PCR-direct sequencing and ASO probes. Analysis of selected clinical strains by ASO probes revealed that 74% of MRSA and 36% of MRSE (methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis) lacked the mecI gene whereas 26% of MRSA and 64% of MRSE possessed the intact regulatory genes. Furthermore, PCR-direct sequencing identified four different mutations in the operator nucleotide sequence and one mutation in Shine-Dalgarno sequence. Additionally, these mutations were shown to occur in the strains of N315 type with higher probability rather than in those of MR108 type. The data suggest that one or more of these mutational sequences at least may have some influence on the expression of methicillin-resistance in clinical staphylococcal strains.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

[Detection of Campylobacter species by using polymerase chain reaction and nonradioactive DNA probes. III. DNA probe for identification of C. laridis].

The development of a rapid and specific DNA probe assay for identification of Campylobacter species, including C. jejuni, C. coli, C. laridis, C. fetus, and C. hyointestinalis is important in determining the precise diagnosis of Campylobacter infections. Sequence data of our previous studies for a 240-base DNA fragment was used to select primers and probes conjugated to alkaline phosphatase, complementary to a portion of DNA between primers. However, a 21-base probe (CL (1)) tested here for detection of C. laridis was cross-reactive with PCR-amplified fragments of C. jejuni, C. coli and C. hyointestinalis, although it was not reactive with C. fetus and C. fetus subsp. fetus. To solve this problem, further modifications of the probe were therefore made to improve the specificity for those particular species. A second 21-base probe with a single base-substitution (CL (2)) and a third 20-base probe (CL(3)) were ineffective for identification of C. laridis, too. A fourth 20-base probe with a single base substitution (CL(4)) was a significant improvement over the results obtained by other three probes specifically to detect C. laridis, Thus, the alkaline phosphatase-labeled probe method developed so far is an interesting alternative without access to radioisotopes for clinical laboratories for identification of Campylobacter species, including C. jejuni/coli/hyointestinalis, C. laridis, and C. fetus/fetus subsp. fetus.

Base Sequence↗