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Biomedical subjects

S Aoki

Publications and source records attributed to S Aoki.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

[Changes in the hypnograms of subjects exposed to repeated truck-passing sounds of 45, 50 and 55 dB (A)].

The effects of traffic noise on sleep were evaluated in an experimental room using recorded truck-passing sounds. Peak sound levels were 45, 50, 55 dB (A) at a frequency of one per hour. The background noise of the exposure night was Leq 32.4 dB (A). The subjects were five male students 22 to 23 years old. The sleep stage of each epoch with a 20-second duration was judged visually based on the criteria of a standardized sleep EEG atlas. Data for 10 noise-exposed nights and the same number of control nights were analyzed excluding the first-night data. The sleep parameters used were total sleep time (TST), each sleep stage in minutes, % of sleep stage against TST, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, REM latency, REM cycle, REM duration, waking from sleep, number of stage shifts and subjective sleep as judged by the OSA sleep inventory. The Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analysis. TST, each sleep stage in minutes, % of sleep stage against TST, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, REM latency, REM cycle, REM duration, waking from sleep and the number of stage shifts of the exposure night did not significantly change compared to those of the control night. However, the sleep latency of the noise-exposed night increased significantly. Subjective sleep measured by five-factor scores and 8 items out of 29 constructing the five-factor scores of the OSA sleep inventory were decreased significantly by noise exposure, indicating deterioration of sleep quality.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Dermatomyositis-polymyositis and malignancy. Is there a direct relation?

An association between dermatomyositis-polymyositis and malignancy has been reported. However, controversy exists regarding a direct causal relationship between the two diseases. We describe a patient who had the concurrent onset and parallel clinical course of dermatomyositis and malignancy, and discuss the possible mechanisms for the association of the two disorders.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1993

[Diurnal rhythms in locomotor activity of the house musk shrew, Suncus murinus].

A diurnal rhythm of locomotor activity in male and female house musk shrews (Jic:SUN) aged approximately one year was observed under a schedule of 12 hr light and 12 hr darkness (light on at 07:00) over a period of 10 days. In general, the pattern of locomotor activity was similar in both sexes, with around 24-hr diurnal rhythm. A few typical patterns of locomotor activity in these animals were as follows: A. Locomotion interval was close in the light phase, while was sparse in the dark phase. B. As opposed to the pattern of A, locomotion interval was close in the dark and sparse in the light phases. C. Its interval remains stationary through a whole day.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Effects of p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) on ejaculation in aged rats.

In general, sexual activity in normal animals declines with increasing age. In aged male rats, for example, no ejaculation occurs when paired with receptive females. The ejaculatory response induced by p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) in aged adult rats, 14 to 18 months of age, was observed. The animals were treated intraperitoneally with PCA. The ejaculation rates were 0.28.6, 57.1 and 100% at doses of 0.3125, 0.625, 1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively. These animals, with a few exceptions, showed an ejaculation within 2 hrs of PCA injection. These data for aged adults are similar to those for young adults.

Aging↗
PubMed1993

[On the flank gland in Syrian hamsters].

The scent gland of Syrian hamsters is named the flank gland and thought to play an important role in the communication among individuals of the same species as in a few other rodents. In the present paper, the flank gland of Syrian hamsters of both sexes was macroscopically and histologically studied with special reference to the aging. This gland reached the plateau in size at 21 days of age in females, while it continued to develop until 70 days of age in males. Its shape was circular in adult females, and elliptical in adult males, respectively. Histologically, it was identified as the developing sebaceous glands with hair follicles in both sexes at 21 days of age. Thereafter, it gradually increased in size and number of lobules. It was always better developed in males than in females at each day examined in the present study, although there were no sex differences in its histological structure.

Aging↗
PubMed1993

Immunochemical detection of advanced glycation end products in lens crystallins from streptozocin-induced diabetic rat.

To reassess the significance of AGEs in cataract formation in diabetic animals, we measured amounts of AGEs in lens crystallins from STZ-induced diabetic animals with a newly developed ELISA. Lenses were removed at 5 and 20 wk after STZ injection. In 20-wk diabetic rats, all lenses were cataractous but not in control rats. In 20-wk diabetic compared with control rats, significant increases were observed in AGEs (172.3 +/- 18.3 vs. 14.3 +/- 1.7 AU, P < 0.01) and fluorescence (2.04 +/- 0.22 vs. 1.27 +/- 0.10 AU, P < 0.05). The amounts of AGEs in lens crystallins, measured by the ELISA, were > 12-fold higher in diabetic rats. In agreement with earlier studies, we found that fluorescence in lens crystallins increased by 61% in diabetic rats. In 5-wk diabetic rats, all lenses were noncataractous. In 5-wk diabetic compared with control rats, significant increases were observed in AGEs (84.1 +/- 7.7 vs. 9.4 +/- 1.5 AU, P < 0.01) and fluorescence (1.45 +/- 0.06 vs. 1.05 +/- 0.06 AU, P < 0.01). Analysis of the AGE content by ELISA showed that accumulation of AGEs in diabetic lens crystallins does markedly occur with time, and a large amount of AGEs exists in the diabetic (cataractous) lens crystallins. The disproportionate elevation of AGEs, measured by the ELISA, compared with fluorescence suggests that the actual levels of AGEs in cataractous lens crystallins from diabetic animals are higher than previously anticipated, and nonfluorescent AGEs may exist in diabetic lens crystallins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Immunochemical detection of advanced glycation end products in renal cortex from STZ-induced diabetic rat.

To reassess the accumulation of advanced glycation end products in diabetic renal cortex, we used a newly developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure AGEs in renal cortex from STZ-induced diabetic and age-matched control rats. Kidneys and aortas were obtained from rats after 5 and 20 wk of STZ injection. At 5 wk of diabetes, the mean AGE content in collagenase-digested materials of renal cortex was > 16-fold higher in diabetic animals compared with controls (1044.4 +/- 151.8 vs. 64.3 +/- 5.7 arbitrary units, P < 0.01). At 20 wk of diabetes, it was > 45-fold higher in diabetic compared with control animals (3841.0 +/- 1077.3 vs. 83.8 +/- 12.8 AUs, P < 0.01). These increases were surprisingly large compared with the < 1.5-fold increase in the fluorescence levels both after 5 and 20 wk of diabetes. In control animals, neither the AGE content nor the fluorescence level increased during this period. Moreover, at 20 wk of diabetes, the AGE content was 39-fold higher in renal cortex compared with aorta. This study provided the first immunochemical evidence that collagenase-digested materials of renal cortex, as well as aorta, contained AGE products and that these products were present in much higher levels in diabetic animals than in control animals. With duration of diabetes, the AGE contents increased significantly both in renal cortex and aorta. The excessive accumulation of AGEs was most apparent in the diabetic kidney.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Chronic intoxication of organophosphorus pesticide and its treatment.

Clinical manifestations of chronic intoxication due to organophosphorus pesticide (OP) and treatment by prifinium bromide, an anticholinergic drug (Padrin), have been introduced. All patients showed oculopathy, mainly neuro-ophthalmological impairments such as: 1. optic neuropathy, 2. degeneration of the retina, 3. defective vertical smooth pursuit, 4. myopia; spasm or paresis of accommodation with or without corneal astigmatism "with the rule" and mild general neurological impairments. These manifestations were more severe among children than in adults, who were environmentally exposed mainly to 3% Malathion sprayed by helicopters several times a year for over 3-5 years. Presumed intake of Malathion for a given child is a far lower dosage than considered previously. Padrin (prifinium bromide) with vitamin B12, C, and E were effective in regressing oculopathy exposed environmentally to OP pesticides.

Child↗
PubMed1993

Aggravation of experimental allergic conjunctivitis by environmental chemical and physical factors.

The effects of trichlorfon (DEP, Dipterex, anticholinesterase pesticide) and paraquat dichloride (Gramoxon, inhibitor of superoxide dismutase) on passive anaphylactic reaction in guinea pig conjunctiva using Japanese cedar pollen were quantitatively studied. For estimation of allergic conjunctivitis, Evans blue after i.v. injection was extracted from conjunctiva and measured spectrophotometrically. Allergic conjunctivitis was apparently aggravated by extremely low dosages of organophosphorus pesticide (10(-5) mg/kg) and organochlorine herbicide (10(-4) mg/kg). The aggravation of allergic conjunctivitis was also observed after exposure to cathode ray tubes used in commercial television, possibly due to electromagnetic waves. IgE-mediated allergic reaction could be non-specifically potentiated by such environmental factors.

Allergens↗
PubMed1993

[Adequacy of translating health survey questionnaires for cross-cultural surveys--the case of the Todai Health Index].

The adequacy of the language translation of self-administered questionnaire items was examined in a comparative study of adolescent mental health between Japan and the United States. As a screening instrument to be used in both countries, the Todai Health Index (THI) questionnaire had been translated from original Japanese into English. The original version was administered to 570 Japanese adolescents and the translated version was given to 295 middle school students in the United States (aged 12 to 15). The equivalence of the two versions was re-examined based on the results of the surveys by a team of researchers from both countries including a bilingual investigator. For the items which produced a statistically significant different response pattern between the two samples, the investigators attempted to determine whether the observed difference could be attributed to an inadequate translation or to a real cultural difference. For those items judged to suffer from inadequate translation, modifications were made to improve cross-cultural equivalence. The above methodological procedure, though not perfect, proved to be relatively simple but very useful in resolving many practical issues in cross-cultural studies and produced interesting findings. For example, the phrase "worry about" was found to not adequately capture the Japanese meaning of "ki-ni-naru" and instead the phrase "concern about" or "care" was suggested as a more appropriate substitute. Very little is known and insufficient attention has been given to the effect of translation in cross-cultural surveys. These investigations suggest the benefit of more extensive studies and focused discussions of reliability of the translated survey instruments by public health researchers involved in international comparisons.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Clinical evaluation of S-1108 in pediatric field].

Nine pediatric patients with bacterial infections (5 cases of tonsillitis, 3 cases of impetigo and 1 case of UTI) were treated with S-1108, and the efficacy and the safety were evaluated. The clinical responses to S-1108 treatment were excellent in 7 cases and good in 2. The efficacy rate was 100%. Bacteriologically, the causative organisms (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Escherichia coli) were eradicated. No clinical side effects were observed. Elevation of CK in 2 cases and eosinophilia in 1 case were noted.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1993

[Superoxide dismutase in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with neurological diseases].

To evaluate significance of superoxide dismutase in neurological diseases, we measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD) using enzyme immunoassay methods in 181 neurological patients and 43 controls. The mean level of Cu/Zn SOD in CSF of controls was 54.4 +/- 28.7 ng/ml, and that of Mn SOD 8.1 +/- 2.5 ng/ml, although other methods have reported that Mn SOD is undetectable in CSF. Cu/Zn SOD or Mn SOD showed no statistical difference in age or sex of the controls. The elevation of both SOD levels was marked in acute diseases such as cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), bacterial meningitis and encephalitis, but mild in aseptic meningitis. The elevation of Cu/Zn SOD level was more prominent than that of Mn SOD in CVD, whereas vice versa in bacterial meningitis and encephalitis. In neurodegenerative diseases and cervical spondylosis, only Mn SOD level was significantly elevated. To examine the source of CSF SOD, we compared it with CSF levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100b protein (S-100b) in cerebral infarction and bacterial meningitis. Both SOD levels were correlated with NSE and S-100b levels in patients with cerebral infarction, but in bacterial meningitis no significant relationship was found among SOD levels, NSE and S-100b levels. This means that elevations of SODs in CSF may be due to not only damage of the nervous tissues but also the other mechanisms, as induction of SOD in the lesions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Brain SPECT by intraarterial infusion of 99mTc-HMPAO for assessing the cerebral distribution of carotid artery infusions in patients with brain tumor].

In order to assess the cerebral distribution of intracarotid chemotherapy, 17 postoperative patients with brain tumor underwent brain SPECT obtained by intraarterial infusion of 18.5 MBq of 99mTc-HMPAO. Injection methods were continuous (5.0 ml/min) or pulsatile infusion with supraor infraophthalmic catheterization. The findings obtained by brain SPECT were frequently different from those of angiography and/or DSA. In supraophthalmic catheterization with continuous infusion, only 2 of 10 studies (20%) had homogeneous distribution and 5 of them (50%) had maldistribution of 99mTc-HMPAO which appears in association with laminar flow effect. The remaining 3 studies showed localized distribution (two: tumor localization, one: healthy brain localization). On the other hand, all of 5 studies with pulsatile infusion had homogeneous distribution of 99mTc-HMPAO. In infraophthalmic catheterization, all but one of 5 studies had homogeneous distribution with continuous infusion. These results suggest that pulsatile infusion may be effective in eliminating maldistribution of 99mTc-HMPAO in supraophthalmic catheterization. In conclusion, we are convinced that 99mTc-HMPAO is a useful intraarterial agent for assessing cerebral distribution of intracarotid chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[A case of limited form of Wegener's granulomatosis without detection of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody].

A 52-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of high fever and productive cough. Her chest X-ray showed multiple cavitary nodules in both lungs. Although we suspected Wegner's granulomatosis (WG), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was not detected in her serum. Finally, an open lung biopsy was performed, and the limited form of Wegener's granulomatosis was diagnosed. With cyclophosphamide and steroid treatment, she markedly improved. We conclude that in patients suspected of having WG, it is necessary to perform open lung biopsy regardless of the detection of ANCA.

Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic↗
PubMed1993

[Clinical studies of cefditoren pivoxil in pediatric field].

We have carried out clinical studies on cefditoren pivoxil (CDTR-PI, ME1207) in granules. The results are summarized as follows. Treatment with CDTR-PI was made for 14 cases of pediatric bacterial infections: 4 cases of tonsillitis, 2 cases of pneumonia, 3 cases of scarlet fever, 3 cases of impetigo, 1 case of subcutaneous abscess and 1 case of urinary tract infection. Results obtained were excellent in 12 cases, good in 1 case and poor in 1 case. No significant side effects due to the drug were observed.

Bacterial Infections↗