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Biomedical subjects

R Hayashi

Publications and source records attributed to R Hayashi.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Treatment of Fetal Premature Ventricular Contractions by Administering Propranolol Hydrochloride Orally to the Mother.

> Frequent fetal premature ventricular contractions were diagnosed at 39 weeks of gestation. To avoid unnecessary cesarean section, the mother was administered propranolol hydrochloride orally. The tococardiography became feasible and permitted us to evaluate fetal well-being. The patient successfully delivered transvaginally a male infant at 40 weeks of gestation.

Journal Article↗

Impaired modulation of tonic muscle activities and H-reflexes in the soleus muscle during standing in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The presence of postural disturbance in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) was assessed by the displacement of the centre of foot pressure (CFP) and by changes in the amplitude of the soleus H-reflex when patients maintained an upright standing posture, followed by a forward-leaning posture. Thirteen patients and 13 age-matched normal controls (N) were studied. PD patients showed the following differences when compared to normal subjects: (1) the range of displacement of the CFP associated with forward leaning was significantly smaller (P<0.01); (2) the ratio of the increase in the soleus EMG activity to the CFP displacement (deltaEMG/deltaCFP) was larger (P<0.01), and the value of the deltaEMG/deltaCFP increased significantly in relation to the scale of clinical severity (P<0.01); and (3) the ratio of the increase in the amplitude of the soleus H-reflex to the soleus muscle EMG activity (deltaH-reflex/deltaEMG) was significantly lower in PD patients (P<0.05). The value of the deltaH-reflex/deltaEMG decreased significantly with the scale of clinical severity among the patients (P<0.05). These results suggest that the modulation of both the tonic stretch reflex and the phasic stretch reflex in the soleus muscle during standing are impaired in PD patients, and these impairments may partly cause their disability in the maintenance of a standing posture. Abnormalities in Ib inhibition and presynaptic inhibition are considered to be possible mechanisms in the disturbed modulation of the tonic stretch reflex and the phasic stretch reflex in PD patients during standing.

Adult↗

The PU.1 binding site is a cis-element that regulates pro-B/pre-B specificity of Vkappa-Jkappa joining.

We have previously shown that the PU.1 binding motif (GAG GAA) in the 3'-enhancer region in the Ig kappa gene is responsible for the negative regulation of tissue (B/T)-specific Vkappa-Jkappa joining. Here we report that the PU.1 binding site also regulates the stage (pro-B/pre-B) specificity of Vkappa-Jkappa joining. In the substrate with base substitutions in the PU.1 binding motif, recombination took place in both pro-B (B220dull/CD43+) and pre-B (B220dull/CD43-) cells. In the transcriptional regulation, the PU.1 motif acts in a positive manner cooperatively with the nuclear factor-EM5 (or PIP) motif (GAAAAC), which is located 2 bp downstream from the PU.1 motif. Interestingly, base substitutions in the nuclear factor EM5 (PIP) motif did not affect the pro-B/pre-B specificity of Vkappa-Jkappa joining. Thus, the PU.1 motif regulates both temporal and tissue-specific rearrangements, while nuclear factor-EM5 is not involved in the regulation of Ig kappa recombination.

Animals↗

Reconstitution of bacteriorhodopsin from a mixture of a proteinase V8 fragment and two synthetic peptides.

The peptide and retinal mixture of bacteriorhodopsin, composed of two synthetic peptides corresponding to helices F (160-197) and G (202-237) and a proteinase V8-derived fragment V1 (1-166), generated the characteristic features of bacteriorhodopsin with absorbance maximum at 550 nm and fluorescence quenching as in two synthetic peptides corresponded to helix A (sequence 7-31) and B (41-65) and a chymotryptic fragment (72-248). The recovery of reconstitution estimated from the absorption and the fluorescence quenching of these mixture was 16-19% and 25-32% of the native purple membrane, respectively, whereas mixtures lacking any one of the peptides exhibited no absorption recovery Circular dichroism of each peptide fragment showed complete formation of alpha-helical structure in a membrane-mimetic medium of sodium dodecyl sulfate. These results indicate that the specific interactions or mutual recognitions between alpha-helices in lipid bilayers are essential for correct bundling of the seven helices and formation of the retinal binding pocket.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Versatility of the free anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects.

OBJECTIVE: The anterolateral thigh flap has many advantages in head and neck reconstruction. However, it has not yet come into widespread use because of the anatomic variations of its perforators. Herein, we describe a safe operative technique related to the patterns of the perforators and discuss its wide versatility. SETTING: A national cancer center hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-eight anterolateral thigh flaps were transferred. Confirmation and dissection of the flap pedicle were simultaneously performed with tumor resection. The design and elevation of the flap were carried out immediately after the tumor resection was completed. RESULTS: From the study of the anatomic variations of the perforators, septocutaneous patterns were recognized in 10 cases (26.3%) and musculocutaneous patterns in 28 cases (73.7%). All flaps were easily and safely elevated with our techniques. Thirty-six flaps survived. Partial necrosis was noted owing to excessive thinning procedure in one patient and total necrosis was noted owing to venous thrombosis at the anastomosis part in another patient. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the anterolateral thigh flap has numerous advantages. It is possible to perform the flap elevation and the tumor resection simultaneously. The flap is generally thin and is suitable for reconstruction of intraoral defects. Combined flaps with neighboring tissues and other, distant flaps can be used. Furthermore, since our technique minimizes the problems of confirmation and dissection of the perforators, we conclude that this flap can be successfully used to repair a variety of large defects of the head and neck.

Adult↗

Serum leptin concentration is associated with total body fat mass, but not abdominal fat distribution.

OBJECTIVE: The obese (ob) gene encodes leptin which inhibits appetite and stimulates thermogenesis. Serum leptin concentrations are determined by total body fat mass, but the influence of visceral fat accumulation and other metabolic factors have been clinically determined. METHODS: We determined the correlations between serum leptin concentrations and the total body fat mass, abdominal fat mass, abdominal fat distribution (estimated by ultrasound), and circulating metabolic factors in 104 Japanese healthy subjects (11 men and 93 women). In addition, the effect of food restriction (30 kcal/kg desired body weight/day) for four weeks on serum leptin concentrations were also examined in 30 women. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between serum concentrations and total body fat mass (r = 0.708, P < 0.0001), the percentage of body fat (r = 0.561, P < 0.001), and the body mass index (BMI, r = 0.630, P < 0.001). Serum leptin concentrations were correlated with abdominal wall preperitoneal and subcutaneous fat pad thickness, but not the abdominal wall fat index (AFI). Serum leptin concentrations were also correlated with serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI), but not glucose, or free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations. The weight loss after food restriction for four weeks significantly (P = 0.016) reduced the serum leptin concentrations with a significant reduction of body fat mass, serum glucose, IRI and FFA concentrations. However, there was no significant correlation of the percentage change in serum leptin concentrations to that in body fat mass after food restriction. CONCLUSION: Serum leptin concentrations are well correlated with total body fat mass in healthy subjects. Differences in abdominal fat distribution do not appear to be related to a difference in the in vivo leptin production from adipose tissue.

Abdomen↗

Changes in free radical scavengers and lipid peroxide in thyroid glands of various thyroid disorders.

To clarify whether the changes of free radicals and its scavengers are induced by thyroid disorders, we measured levels of free radical scavengers and checked O2 radical generating systems in the human thyroid gland. Thyroid specimens from patients with Graves' disease, follicular adenoma, and papillary and follicular carcinomas contained significantly higher concentrations of xanthine oxidase (XOD) and gluthathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), compared to those in the normal thyroid tissue. Catalase concentration was significantly lower in thyroid specimens from patients with Graves' disease and significantly lower in thyroid specimens from patients with follicular adenoma, compared to those in the normal thyroid tissue. Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) concentration was significantly lower in the specimens from follicular adenoma and papillary carcinoma and Mn SOD concentration was significantly higher in the specimens from papillary carcinoma than those in the normal thyroid tissue. The lipid peroxide concentration, expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, was significantly higher in the specimens from papillary carcinoma than those in the normal thyroid tissue. These findings suggest that the levels of free radicals are increased and are scavenged and catalyzed in the thyroid of Graves' disease, whereas free radicals and lipid peroxide are not completely scavenged in papillary carcinoma tissues, suggesting that these substances affect some role in cell function of thyroid tumors.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

Optically active antifungal azoles. VII. Synthesis and antifungal activity of stereoisomers of 2-[(1R,2R)-2-(2, 4-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) propyl]-4-[4-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)phenyl]-3(2H,4H)-1,2,4-triazo lone (TAK-187).

2-[(1R,2R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-(1H-1,2, 4-triazol-1-yl)propyl]-4-[4-(2,2,3,3,tetrafluoropropoxy) phenyl]-3(2H, 4H)-1,2,4-triazolone [(1R,2R)-1: TAK-187] is a new antifungal agent selected as a candidate for clinical trials. The three stereoisomers [(1S,2S)-, (1R,2S)- and (1S,2R)-1] of this compound were prepared to clarify the relationship between the stereochemistry and the biological activities. In vitro and in vivo assays of antifungal activity revealed that TAK-187 [(1R,2R)-1] is the most potent among the four stereoisomers. Furthermore, TAK-187 was found to exert strong and selective inhibitory effect on the sterol synthesis in Candida albicans as compared with that in rat liver.

Animals↗

Ictal muscle discharge pattern and SPECT in paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis.

We studied the pattern of muscle activity of the limbs during attacks and measured post-ictal regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in 3 patients with paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis (PKC). During attacks, a "Jacksonian march" pattern of tonic muscle activity in the limbs was observed. Two of 3 patients, who suffered from unilateral attacks, showed a noticeable increase in rCBF in the basal ganglia on the contralateral side of the attacks. Treatment with phenytoin improved symptoms and reduced the difference in rCBF between the right and left side. These observations suggest that abnormal hyperactivity of neurons in the basal ganglia may cause choreoathetotic movements in patients with PKC.

Adolescent↗

[Steroid responsive chronic brainstem encephalitis featuring mental symptoms, abnormal eye movement and cerebellar ataxia].

A 53-year-old man presented with progressive ataxia two and a half years prior to admission. Initially he was treated in a local hospital for 4 months with a diagnosis of spinocerebellar degeneration. Subsequently he developed psychomotor excitement with hallucination and was admitted to a mental hospital for 7 months with a diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy. After a year of partial remission, he presented with increasing difficulty in thinking and walking. On admission he developed mental agitation and excitement, ocular flutter and opsoclonus, and prominent cerebellar ataxia. A lymphocytic pleocytosis in the CSF and a high-intensity lesion in the superior cerebellar peduncle of the upper brainstem revealed on a T2-weighted MRI led to a diagnosis of brainstem encephalitis. Treatment with steroid (two series of 3 days of 1,000mg methylprednisolone DIV, followed by 60mg oral prednisolone) brought about a dramatic improvement in mental and ocular symptoms corresponding with the CSF findings. He was left with mild cerebellar ataxia and returned to work on a small dose of steroids. Differential diagnoses including Bickerstaff's encephalitis and pathomechanism were discussed.

Brain Stem↗

[Prevalence of serum anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody in persons with severe motor and intellectual disabilities--comparison between institutionalized persons and persons living at home].

The seroprevalence of an anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody (ELISA) was investigated in institutionalized persons with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID). The rate of seropositivity was significantly higher in persons with SMID under 29 years of age than in age-matched controls and in institutionalized patients with muscular dystrophy. No difference in seropositivity among SMID patients was found between those in our and other institutions. Therefore, it is speculated that Helicobacter pylori infection occurs soon after the institutionalization of SMID patients. Persons with SMID living at home, in their teens and twenties, had lower seropositivity than that of institutionalized patients but higher than controls. These data implicate the life style of persons with SMID and long-term institutionalization as one of important risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Adolescent↗

Three-Hertz postural oscillation in patients with brain stem or cerebellar lesions.

Postural instability was quantitatively studied in patients with lesions in the 1) pontine tegmentum, 2) deep cerebellar nuclei, or 3) cerebellar hemisphere. As compared to controls, patients with each lesion demonstrated a characteristic 3 Hertz (Hz) body oscillation. Cross-correlation functions revealed a strong correlation between the body sway and activities in the lower leg muscles. Based on these findings, we conclude that the 3 Hz body oscillation may be the result of any disturbance in the loop of long-latency reflexes mediated by the cerebellum.

Aged↗

Inhibition of apoptosis in colon tumors induced in the rat by 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline.

The cooked meat mutagen 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) produces tumors at multiple sites in the F344 rat, including adenocarcinomas of the colon. In the present study, the development of IQ-induced colorectal tumors was shown to be accompanied by the progressive inhibition of programmed cell death. This was associated with increased expression of the antiapoptosis protein Bcl-2 and decreased expression of bax, a known activator of apoptosis. Carcinomas bearing high levels of bcl-2 expression exhibited low levels of p53, the tumor suppressor protein that in some circumstances has been shown to down-regulate bcl-2. Because they lack mutations in the genes commonly associated with increased cell proliferation (APC, Ki-ras, and p53) and show no evidence of microsatellite instability, IQ-induced colon tumors might arise via the deregulation of bcl-2 expression, leading to inhibition of programmed cell death.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Relationship between cognitive impairments, event-related potentials, and motor disability scores in patients with Parkinson's disease: 2-year follow-up study.

We studied event-related potentials and the cognitive state for 2 years in 29 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Of those patients, 11 were at stage II and 18 were at stage III at initial assessment, as measured on the Hoehn and Yahr scale. The peak latency of P300 in patients at stage III was significantly prolonged, as compared with that in age-matched normal controls or PD patients at stage II. There was no significant change in P300 latency among patients whose motor ability remained unchanged at stage II or stage III during follow-up period. The mean P300 latency prolonged significantly in patients whose motor ability worsened from stage III to stage IV. The cognitive state in the patients with PD was characterized by impairment in the categories of orientation, recall and constructional ability. The degree of impairment of these items increased as the motor disability increased. These results suggest that cognitive dysfunctions and abnormality of P300 latency increased as the motor disabilities progressed.

Aged↗