Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

N Takada

Publications and source records attributed to N Takada.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

cDNA structure and characterization of a kinesin-like protein from the silkworm Bombyx mori.

We have isolated a 1224 bp cDNA clone from a Bombyx mori embryonic cDNA library which contains sequences homologous to the kinesin-like protein gene, ncd, which is required for distribution of chromosomes at meiosis in Drosophila melanogaster females. This clone includes both a microtubule motor and the ATP-binding domains found in kinesin-like proteins. The motor domain is classified in the group of the BimC and cut7, which have a role in spindle formation during mitosis of Aspergillus nidulans and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, respectively. However, the location of the domain at the carboxy terminus is not common in this family, except for ncd and KAR3.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

The effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) on left ventricular mass and left ventricular hemodynamics in hemodialysis patients.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) on left ventricular mass. Twenty-seven hemodialysis patients (13 men and 14 women) were given r-HuEPO for renal anemia. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after the 16-week course of r-HuEPO, and at the same time echocardiography was performed to measure left ventricular dimensions and wall thickness. These measurements were used to calculate left ventricular volume, cardiac output (CO), and left ventricular mass (LVmass). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increased after administration of r-HuEPO (from 75.8 +/- 10.8 mmHg to 85.6 +/- 12.7 mmHg), but there was no change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or heart rate. LVmass increased significantly in seven cases (from 194.7 +/- 40.0 g to 240.3 +/- 47.3 g). These cases, Group I, showed no decline in stroke volume (SV) or CO, and showed significant increases in SBP. In the remaining 20 cases, Group II, LVmass decreased or was unchanged. In this group SV and CO decreased, but there was no increase in SBP. We conclude that increases in LVmass may be associated with elevated systolic blood pressure and hypertrophy of the left ventricular wall, when hemodialysis patients with severe renal anemia are given r-HuEPO.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[A case of aspirin-induced asthma which developed due to rubbing a lotion containing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ketoprofen, on the skin].

A forty-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of a severe attack of bronchial asthma. The asthmatic attack developed 3 hours after her rubbing a large amount of a lotion containing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ketoprofen, over her skin. The patient had a past history of asthmatic attack induced by another NSAID (Sedes-G) given per os. The previous asthmatic attack developed about 3 hours after her rubbing the lotion containing the NSAID over her skin. The relatively long interval between the per cutaneous NSAID administration and the onset of the asthmatic attack indicates that the time delay is dependent on the absorption route of the administered NSAID. The severity of the attack is considered to be related to the amount of NSAID absorbed.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1994

[A clinical study of fulminant Legionnaires' disease].

Seven cases of fulminant Legionnaires' disease treated at Kitasato University Hospital between 1985 and 1992 were reviewed. These patients were male with a mean age of 55.9 years (range, 37-67 yrs), and five were heavy alcohol drinkers. All seven patients required mechanical ventilation. Four patients recovered (group 1) and three expired due to respiratory failure (group 2). The mean interval from initial symptoms to the development of respiratory failure was 8.8 days in group 1 and 6.0 days in group 2, except in the one patient with lung cancer (case 6). The progression of pneumonia was more rapid in group 2. The mean intervals from admission to administration of erythromycin were 1.5 days and 3.5 days, respectively, in groups 1 and 2. In group 1, pulmonary infiltrates and respiratory insufficiency worsened for the first few days after erythromycin administration but improved thereafter. The average duration of ventilatory care in group 1 was 13.3 days. The administration of rifampicin combined with erythromycin may be useful for the treatment of fulminant Legionnaires' disease. When fulminant pneumonia is encountered in a middle-aged or elderly male alcoholic, Legionnaires' disease should be suspected and erythromycin administration with rifampicin should be initiated as early as possible.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Effects of genotypes of hepatitis C virus on interferon treatment for chronic type C hepatitis.

Interferon is commonly used for treatment of type C hepatitis, but the effects are variable and many factors may be responsible. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be classified into 4 types, PT, K1, K2a and K2b. Therefore, the responses to interferon treatment in patients with the different HCV genotypes were analyzed. Twenty-four patients with type C hepatitis were treated with 3 to 10 million units of various types of interferon for more than 8 weeks. HCV-RNA encoding the NS5 region (HCV-NS5) was positive in these 24 patients, 16 of which were classified with the K1 type and 8 with the K2 type of HCV. In all patients except for 2, HCV-NS5 became negative within 3 weeks of treatment without relation to the HCV genotypes. Serum alanine aminotransferase levels were normalized in 7 out of 8 patients in the K2 group and in 4 out of 16 patients in the K1 group at the end of 8 weeks. At the 24th week, ALT levels were normalized in 5 out of 6 patients in the K2 group, and in one out of 9 patients in the K1 group. The percentage of patients exhibiting a good response was significantly higher in the K2 group than in the K1 group at both observation periods. During the post-treatment periods, relapse following complete response was found in 3 patients in the K2 group and in one patient in the K1 group. The final effects of interferon were significantly better in the K2 group than in the K1 group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Differences in the hepatitis C virus genotypes in different countries.

We recently classified the hepatitis C virus (HCV) into 4 types (HCV-PT, -K1, -K2a and -K2b) according to differences in nucleotide sequences. It was found that HCV-PT, the prototype reported from the U.S.A., was rare in Japan, suggesting that distribution of HCV genotypes may be different in various countries. The prevalence of HCV genotypes was therefore compared in different countries. Genotyping of HCV was performed by slot-blot hybridization analysis using cDNA probes specific to each type of HCV or by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. In 121 Japanese non-cancer patients, the prevalence of HCV genotypes was 77.7% for HCV-K1, 16.5% for HCV-K2a and 5.0% for HCV-K2b. HCV-PT was detected in only 1 patient (0.8%). The prevalence in 43 Japanese hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients was 74.4% for HCV-K1, 18.6% for HCV-K2a and 4.7% for HCV-K2b. HCV-PT was found in only 1 sample. In 19 European non-cancer patients, HCV-PT was found in 42.1% and HCV-K1 was found in 52.6%. HCV-K2 was not found. All 7 samples from European HCC patients were HCV-K1, indicating a significantly higher prevalence than in non-cancer patients. In 13 Brazilian non-cancer patients, the distribution pattern was similar to that of the Europeans. In 10 samples from the U.S.A., HCV-PT was found in 70% and HCV-K2 was found in 1 sample. In 18 Chinese non-cancer patients, HCV-K1 was found in 44.4%, HCV-K2a in 50.0% and HCV-K2b in 5.6% HCV-PT was not found. Two samples from Chinese HCC patients were HCV-K1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Brazil↗
PubMed1993

Relationship between alcoholic liver disease and HCV infection.

The high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers in alcoholic liver cirrhosis (AL-LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) suggests a close aetiopathogenic relationship between alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and HCV infection. In the present study, HCV markers in ALD were measured by the highly sensitive methods, and the changes of sequential HCV markers after abstinence in ALD patients were analysed in order to elucidate the effect of alcohol on HCV. Antibodies to HCV-related antigen were determined using the first or second generation test kit. HCV-RNA genomes encoding the NS-5 region were detected using the RT-PCR method. In the HCV-NS5 negative serum, HCV genomes of the 5'-noncoding region were detected using the two-stage PCR method. Titres of HCV-RNA were measured by multiple cyclic PCR and cDNA dot blotting. Typing of HCV genomes was carried out on the PCR product from the NS-5 region by slot blot hybridization using type-specific cDNA probes, or by restriction fragment length polymorphisms analysis. In alcoholic fibrosis and alcoholic hepatitis, the prevalence of HCV markers was low, suggesting that the main aetiological factor is alcohol but not HCV in these types of ALD. HCV markers were positive in the half of the patients with AL-LC, and in more than 80% of patients with AL-CH and AL-HCC, indicating that HCV infection closely relates to these types of ALD. The ratio of the K1 type to the K2 type of HCV genomes was 4:1 in all types of NANB liver disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Effects of alcohol on the replication of hepatitis C virus.

We have reported that hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA encoding the NS5 region (HCV-NS5) became negative following abstinence in some patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). In order to clarify the relationship between alcohol misuse (abuse) and the replication of HCV, serial changes of HCV-NS5 and the titer of HCV (HCV-titer) in blood after abstinence were studied in 11 male patients with ALD. Disappearance of HCV-NS5 after abstinence was found in five out of 11 patients (45%) and HCV-titer in blood decreased in all of these cases. In one patient, HCV-NS5 became positive and HCV-titers increased again following resumption of alcohol misuse. The etiology of liver disease in heavy drinkers was subdivided into three categories: alcohol alone, alcohol and HCV, and HCV alone, according to the diagnostic criteria of the Japanese research group for ALD. The etiology in four patients was a combination of alcohol and HCV, and was HCV alone in the remaining seven patients. In all four patients of the alcohol and HCV group, and one out of seven patients in the HCV alone group, HCV-NS5 became negative and HCV-titer decreased after abstinence. The decrease in HCV-titer was not related to the HCV genotypes. These results suggest that alcohol misuse may enhance the replication of HCV.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Ultrastructure of spotted fever rickettsialike microorganisms observed in tissues of Dermacentor taiwanensis (Acari: Ixodidae).

Tissues of midguts, Malpighian tubules, salivary glands, and ovaries of female Dermacentor taiwanensis Sugimoto collected in an area endemic for Japanese spotted fever were examined with an electron microscope, and the presence of two kinds of rickettsialike microorganisms was confirmed in Japan. Based on ultrastructural findings, a rod-shaped organism detected in all the tissues is a Rickettsia; another, irregularly shaped organism that was found only in the ovary, is a Wolbachia. A hemolymph test using a specific immunostain indicated that the Rickettsia belongs to the spotted fever group of rickettsiae.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Preliminary observations on ultrastructure of borreliae in tissues of Ixodes persulcatus.

We observed Lyme borrelia by electron microscopy in the tissues of the ticks, Ixodes persulcatus, which were indicated positive for borreliae by BSK cultures of their internal organs. Borreliae (0.25 micron in diameter) were found only in the lumen of the midgut. They were closely associated with the microvilli on the midgut epithelium but never penetrated into the epithelial cells. Ultrastructural features common to Lyme borreliae., i.e., the three-layered membranes surrounding the cytoplasm and orientation of the flagella insertions, were obviously confirmed. The present results are useful to understand tick tissue-borrelia interface.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Esophageal squamous cell papilloma, suspected of squamous cell carcinoma.

A 46-year-old male without any subjective complaints was diagnosed by radiography as having one polypoid lesion at the distal esophagus. Endoscopy indicated a semipedunculated polyp about 1 cm in size, the specimens of which included atypical cells with a high N/C ratio in the submucosa. Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus was suspected. Cytological studies of PAS, CEA and keratin staining to atypical cells were all negative, with Lugol solution staining of the tumor. After polypectomy the lesion was diagnosed as a squamous cell papilloma of the esophagus; and the atypical cells were determined to be immature fibroblasts and/or endothelium.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1993

Identity of pathogenic strains of spotted fever rickettsiae isolated in Shikoku District based on reactivities to monoclonal antibodies.

Three IgG (B2, C3 and F8) and two IgM (S3 and X1) monoclonal antibodies (Mab) were produced in BALB/c mice immunized with Aoki strain of spotted fever (SF) rickettsiae in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. Of these, two (B2 and C3) reacted equally with six Japanese strains including YH strain, the prototype of R. japonica, but did not react with the foreign strains. These results indicate that SF rickettsial strains from Tokushima Prefecture were identified as R. japonica, and that the SF strains isolated at least in Shikoku District most likely belong to a common serotype.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

The alcohol-altered liver membrane antibody and hepatitis C virus infection in the progression of alcoholic liver disease.

Progression of alcoholic liver disease is closely related to drinking habits. However, prognosis of alcoholic liver disease is not determined just by drinking habits, but also by other factors. In this study, the roles of alcohol-altered liver membrane antibody and hepatitis C virus infection were analyzed in alcoholic patients who were followed up for various lengths of time. Serial changes of liver histological appearance were analyzed in 39 patients with alcoholic liver disease who were followed for long periods (49.7 +/- 34.3 mo) and who underwent liver biopsy at least two times. Prognoses of 35 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis who were followed for more than 1 yr were also evaluated. Development of cirrhosis in alcoholic liver disease was significantly higher in the alcohol-altered liver membrane antibody-positive patients than in the patients negative for this antibody. On the other hand, hepatitis C virus markers were not related to development of cirrhosis. However, hepatocellular carcinoma developed more frequently in the hepatitis C virus marker-positive patients. In patients with cirrhosis, the cumulative rates of hepatocellular carcinoma development were significantly higher in the hepatitis C virus marker-positive patients than in the marker-negative patients. Cumulative survival rates in the hepatitis C virus marker-positive patients were significantly lower than rates in the hepatitis C virus marker-negative patients, even in noncancer patients. However, such differences were not observed in the alcohol-altered liver membrane antibody-positive and alcohol-altered liver membrane antibody-negative cirrhotic patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alcohols↗
PubMed1993

[A case of sho-saiko-to-induced pneumonitis, diagnosed by lymphocyte stimulation test using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid].

A 66-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital with fever, cough and dyspnea. He had been taking Sho-Saiko-to, a traditional Chinese medicine, for twenty days. On admission, chest X-ray examination revealed a reticular pattern in the bilateral lungs, and respiratory failure was evident. Serum levels of CRP and LDH were elevated. A differential cell count of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) showed that lymphocytes and eosinophils were increased. Alveolitis with lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration was observed in a pathological specimen obtained by transbronchial lung biopsy. After all drugs had been discontinued, PaO2, serum CRP and serum LDH improved, and the reticular pattern in the bilateral lungs gradually resolved without administration of corticosteroids or antibiotics. A lymphocyte stimulation test for Sho-Saiko-to using BALF gave a positive result, although LST using blood gave a doubtful reaction. The diagnosis of Sho-Saiko-to-induced pneumonitis was made from the clinical course, laboratory findings, BALF cell analysis, pathological findings and LST using BALF. Only 13 cases of pneumonitis due to administration of traditional Chinese medical drugs have been reported. This case suggests that LST using BALF is useful for the diagnosis of drug-induced pneumonitis.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Serosurveys of spotted fever and murine typhus in local residents of Taiwan and Thailand compared with Japan.

To estimate the prevalence of spotted fever (SF) and murine typhus (MT) rickettsioses in Southeast Asia, we performed serosurvey by immunoperoxidase test on local residents in Taiwan and Thailand, comparing them with those of Japan. In Japan, the prevalence of antibodies (1:80 as cut-off level) to some SF/MT antigens was noticeable in Japanese SF-endemic areas or a high-risk groups. In Tainan, Taiwan, SF antibodies were not so prevalent (3.5 to 4.4%), but MT antibodies were more prevalent (23.9%). In Chiang Rai in northern Thailand SF antibodies were markedly prevalent (9.0 to 21.3%); the reactivity with Thai tick 118 strain alone was 8.2%, but MT was less (2.5%). These results suggest that these rickettsioses may be latently distributed in various parts of Asia.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Establishment of a cell line from a human giant cell tumor of bone.

A cell line (CG-1) was established from a specimen of a 21-year-old woman with giant cell tumor of bone. Inverted-phase microscopic analysis showed that the cultured cells were spindle-shaped in appearance. Multinucleated giant cells and macrophagelike round cells characterizing the histology of giant cell tumor of bone were not found. It is believed that the spindle-shaped cells were the neoplastic element of this tumor, because they were cultured more than 40 passages over the course of one year and subsequent cytogenetic analysis with a G-band technique showed constant loss of chromosomes 14 and 19. The cell line was found to produce several cytokines: M-CSF, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, as demonstrated by Western blotting analysis. These cytokines are known to show chemotactic, differentiation-inducing, and activating effects on macrophages. Because it has been recently reported in the literature that there are many infiltrated macrophages in giant cell tumor of bone, and because multinucleated giant cells are formed by fusion of macrophages, the newly established cell line may prove a useful system in studying the nature of giant cell tumor of bone.

Adult↗