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Biomedical subjects

S Miyazaki

Publications and source records attributed to S Miyazaki.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) in XML.

The DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ, http://www.ddbj.nig.ac.jp) has collected and released more entries and bases than last year. This is mainly due to large-scale submissions from Japanese sequencing teams on mouse, rice, chimpanzee, nematoda and other organisms. The contributions of DDBJ over the past year are 17.3% (entries) and 10.3% (bases) of the combined outputs of the International Nucleotide Sequence Databases (INSD). Our complete genome sequence database, Genome Information Broker (GIB), has been improved by incorporating XML. It is now possible to perform a more sophisticated database search against the new GIB than the ordinary BLAST or FASTA search.

Animals↗

Decrease of T-helper 2 and T-cytotoxic 2 cells at implantation sites occurs in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion with normal chromosomal content.

BACKGROUND: In normal pregnancy, predominant type 2 cytokines help maintain pregnancy, and a T-helper (Th)1 type response is associated with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). However, Th2 and T-cytotoxic (Tc)2 cells have not been localized at the implantation site in RSA. METHODS: Twenty-one cases with RSA were classified into RSA with normal chromosomal content (RSA-N, n = 10) and RSA with abnormal chromosomal content (RSA-A, n = 11). As a control, we selected 15 gestational age-matched cases of induced abortion with no history of spontaneous abortion. We immunostained paraffin-embedded decidual sections for a specific Th2 and Tc2 cell marker termed 'chemo-attractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2)' and T-cell markers CD3 and CD8. The numbers and percentages of Th2 (CRTH2(+)CD8(-)CD3(+)) and Tc2 (CRTH2(+)CD8(+)) cells were compared between the decidua basalis and decidua parietalis. RESULTS: Th2 and Tc2 cells accumulated in the decidua basalis in normal pregnancy. Accumulation of Tc2 cells and both Th2 and Tc2 cells decreased in the decidua basalis in RSA-A and RSA-N respectively. The number and percentage of Th2, and Tc2 cells in the decidua parietalis were similar in normal pregnancy, RSA-A and RSA-N. CONCLUSION: Decreased Th2 and Tc2 cells at the implantation site may contribute to RSA-N.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Involvement of adenosine A1 receptors in forced walking stress-induced analgesia in mice.

We investigated the involvement of adenosine receptors on forced walking stress-induced analgesia using a formalin-induced paw-licking test in male mice. Exposure to forced walking stress for 6 h showed stress-induced analgesia in the second phase (10-30 min), but not in the first phase (0-10 min). In the second phase, forced walking stress-induced analgesia was blocked by theophylline, a nonselective adenosine-receptor antagonist and DPCPX, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, but not ZM 241385, an adenosine A2A-receptor antagonist. These findings suggest that adenosine A1 receptors are involved in the analgesic mechanism activated by the forced walking stress.

Adenosine A1 Receptor Antagonists↗

Detection of Cry1Ab protein in gastrointestinal contents but not visceral organs of genetically modified Bt11-fed calves.

The fate of insecticidal Cry1Ab protein was examined in the gastrointestinal (GI) contents and visceral organs of calves fed insect-resistant genetically modified maize Bt11. Twelve cross-breed (Japanese black x Holstein) calves were fed either Bt11 or non-genetically modified isoline maize for 90 d. Peripheral blood, rumen juice and feces were collected fortnightly, and GI contents and visceral organs were collected at slaughter at the end of the experiment. Samples were checked for Cry1Ab protein by immunological methods, and visceral organs were examined pathologically. Trace amounts of Cry1Ab protein were detected in the GI contents but not in the liver, spleen, kidney, muscle or mesenteric lymph nodes. No lesions were observed pathologically. Cry1Ab protein in the feces was degraded quickly at atmospheric temperature. These results suggested that only a trace amount of Cry1Ab protein survived passage through the GI tract but was not transferred to liver, spleen, kidney, lymph nodes or muscles.

Animals↗

Percutaneous absorption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from in situ gelling xyloglucan formulations in rats.

The potential of gels formed in situ by dilute aqueous solutions of a xyloglucan polysaccharide derived from tamarind seed as sustained release vehicles for percutaneous administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been assessed by in vitro and in vivo studies. Chilled aqueous solutions of xyloglucan that had been partially degraded by beta-galactosidase formed gels at concentrations of 1-2% w/w when warmed to 37 degrees C. The in vitro release of ibuprofen and ketoprofen at pH 7.4 from the enzyme degraded xyloglucan gels and the subsequent permeation of these fully ionized drugs through cellulose membranes followed root-time kinetics over a period of 12 h after an initial lag period. Diffusion coefficients were appreciably higher when the drugs were released from 1.5% w/w xyloglucan gels than when released from 25% w/w Pluronic F127 gels formed in situ under identical conditions. The difference in release rates was attributed to differences in the structure of the gels. The permeation rate of ibuprofen through excised skin was higher than that of ketoprofen when released from both gels, but of similar magnitude through cellulose membranes. Plasma concentrations of ibuprofen and ketoprofen from gels formed in situ following topical application of chilled aqueous solutions of xyloglucan and Pluronic F127 to the abdominal skin of rats were compared. The bioavailabilities of ibuprofen and ketoprofen were significantly higher when released from xyloglucan gels compared to Pluronic F127 gels. Occlusive dressing techniques had a greater enhancing effect on the bioavailability of ibuprofen when released from Pluronic gels.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) for genome scale research in life science.

The DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ, http://www.ddbj.nig.ac.jp) has made an effort to collect as much data as possible mainly from Japanese researchers. The increase rates of the data we collected, annotated and released to the public in the past year are 43% for the number of entries and 52% for the number of bases. The increase rates are accelerated even after the human genome was sequenced, because sequencing technology has been remarkably advanced and simplified, and research in life science has been shifted from the gene scale to the genome scale. In addition, we have developed the Genome Information Broker (GIB, http://gib.genes.nig.ac.jp) that now includes more than 50 complete microbial genome and Arabidopsis genome data. We have also developed a database of the human genome, the Human Genomics Studio (HGS, http://studio.nig.ac.jp). HGS provides one with a set of sequences being as continuous as possible in any one of the 24 chromosomes. Both GIB and HGS have been updated incorporating newly available data and retrieval tools.

Animals↗

Malignant germ cell tumors: clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome. A report from the study group for Pediatric Solid Malignant Tumors in the Kyushu Area, Japan.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the prognostic factors and optimal treatments for malignant germ cell tumors (MGCT) in childhood. METHODS: Among 117 MGCT, the clinical features were analyzed. Regarding the histology, there were 89 embryonal carcinomas, 13 dysgerminomas, 4 choriocarcinomas, and 11 others. The prognostic factors and treatments were assessed based on the 5-year survival rate. RESULTS: (1) Stage: 100% for stage I (n = 54), 75.0% for stage II (n = 4), 67.3% for stage III (n = 14), and 54.8% for stage IV (n = 33); Unknown: n = 12. (2) Primary site: 93.4% for the testis (n = 52), 86.7% for the ovary (n = 31), 56.9% for the sacrococcygeal (n = 21), and 60.6% for others (n = 12); unknown: n = 1. (3) Surgical intervention for primary tumor: 100% for stage I with a complete resection (n = 53), 78.4% for stage III, IV with a complete resection (n = 26), and 33.3% for stage III, IV with an incomplete resection (n = 21). (4) Type of chemotherapy for the stage III and IV: 83.9% for the PVB (cisplatin, vinblastin, bleomycin; n = 13), 66.7% for the VAC (vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide; n = 6), and 47.1% for other regimens (n = 25). CONCLUSIONS: An early stage, a diagnosis under 1 year of age and a primary site in the gonads were favorable prognosis factors, whereas histologic findings of choriocarcinoma and liver or lung metastasis were unfavorable. Radical complete resection alone is a sufficient treatment for localized MGCT. The PVB regimen is optimal chemotherapy for advanced MGCT; however, high-risk cases still may require more aggressive treatment.

Adolescent↗

Surgical correction of cauliflower ear.

We have classified the cauliflower ear into different types according to the zone and the degree of deformity. One major group is deformity without change in the outline of the ear, and this is divided into four subgroups according to the zone. All of these subgroups can be treated by shaving the deformed cartilage through suitable incision lines. For deformities accompanied by a skin deficit, a postauricular skin flap should be used. The other major group is deformity accompanied by a change in the outline of the ear, which is divided into two subgroups. If the ear is rigid, a conchal cartilage graft is used. If the structural integrity of the ear is poor, costal cartilage is used to provide rigidity.

Adult↗

Cyclic changes of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mRNA in the human follicle during the normal menstrual cycle and immunolocalization of G-CSF protein.

BACKGROUND: Ovulation has several similarities with inflammation and is closely connected to the activity of leukocytes and inflammatory cytokines. Since granulocytes are one of the major leukocytes, we focused our attention on the presence and local production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the human ovary. METHODS: The presence of G-CSF protein in the follicular fluid and perifollicular tissues was examined by Western blot analysis (n = 5) and immunohistochemical staining (n = 10). The relative expression levels of G-CSF mRNA in relation to GAPDH in granulosa, theca and luteal cells during the menstrual cycle were measured by quantitative RT-PCR using TaqMan technology (n = 15). RESULTS: G-CSF protein was detected in all follicular fluid and located mainly in granulosa cells of the follicle and luteal cells. The expression level of G-CSF mRNA in the late follicular phase was 137.6 +/- 18.5, which was approximately 10-fold greater than other phases during the menstrual cycle (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that G-CSF is produced in the human follicle shortly before the ovulatory phase and may play an important role in the mechanism of ovulation.

Adult↗

Acute endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis associated with human parvovirus B19 infection.

A 36-year-old female developed acute nephritic syndrome associated with human parvovirus B19 (HPVB19) infection. Laboratory data showed proteinuria, hypocomplementemia, mild pancytopenia, the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG antibodies to HPVB 19 and positive reaction of serum HPVB19 DNA using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A renal biopsy showed endocapillary hypercellularity mainly of mononuclear cells with segmental apparent mesangiolytic change; fine granular IgM, IgG and C3 deposits were noted by immunofluorescence microscopy; relatively small electron-dense deposits were observed in the widened subendothelial spaces and the mesangium, and loosening of the mesangial matrix varied from place to place electron microscopically. PCR of HPVB19 DNA in the renal biopsy tissue was positive as well as in the peripheral blood. The histological findings suggested that immune-complex-mediated endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis is caused by acute HPVB 19 infection. We discuss the differences from poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis and the possible pathogenesis of acute endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis associated with HPVB19 infection.

Acute Disease↗

Efficacy of common antiseptics against multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has been increasing. Antiseptics are frequently used to prevent mycobacterial infection. The aim of this study was to determine those antiseptics that are useful against MDR-TB. DESIGN: We evaluated bactericidal activity against clinical isolates of MDR-TB in vitro. METHOD: Thirteen strains of MDR-TB were tested against povidone-iodine (PVP-I), cresol, akyldiaminoethyl glycine hydrocloride (AEG), and glutaraldehyde. After bacilli were exposed to the antiseptic solution with 2% human serum, the disinfectant was inactivated by addition of neutraliser. RESULTS: PVP-1 at a final concentration of 0.2% killed all of the strains within 120 seconds, and PVP-I at 0.1% killed 99.9% or more bacilli within 60 seconds. Most strains were killed after exposure to 0.5% cresol at 300 seconds and to 1.0% cresol at 60 seconds; 3.0% cresol killed all bacilli within 120 seconds, while 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5% AEG all required 60 minutes to kill 99.9% or more of the bacilli; 2.0% glutaraldehyde required 10 minutes to kill all bacilli. CONCLUSION: The bactericidal activities of antiseptics for MDR-TB were similar to those for drug-sensitive M. tuberculosis strains. PVP-I would be a useful antiseptic against MDR-TB. The bactericidal activities of glutaraldehyde are effective against MDR-TB as an antiseptic for medical equipment.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Acquired methemoglobinemia in anemic cattle infected with Theileria sergenti.

To investigate the mechanism of anemia accompanying Japanese bovine theileriosis, we examined whether production of methemoglobin (MetHB), an indicator of erythrocyte oxidation, was associated with anemia in cattle experimentally infected with Theileria sergenti. The percentage of MetHB, which is an oxidized form of hemoglobin, increased according to the onset of anemia. During severe anemia, high levels of acquired methemoglobinemia were observed in all infected cattle. A significant correlation (r=-0.649; P<0.01) between an increase in MetHB concentration and a decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) was observed. It was considered that hemoglobin oxidation may be one of the aggravating factors of anemia in T. sergenti infection.

Anemia, Hemolytic↗

Novel green fluorescent protein-based ratiometric indicators for monitoring pH in defined intracellular microdomains.

To measure pH in defined intracellular microdomains of living cells, we developed ratiometric indicators based on fusing in tandem two green fluorescent protein (GFP) variants having different pH sensitivities. The indicators function in a single-excitation/dual-emission mode involving fluorescence resonance energy transfer, as well as in a dual-excitation/single-emission mode. The fluorescence ratio from GFpH and YFpH showed pH dependency and pK(a) values were 6.1 and 6.8, respectively. Using these indicators expressed in cultured cells, we measured and visualized pH changes in the cytosol and nucleus. Furthermore, by tethering the indicator to a membrane protein (the alpha(1B) adrenergic receptor), we visualized the pH in the vicinity of the protein during internalization caused by endocytosis after agonist stimulation. These novel probes will serve as a useful tool for monitoring pH in the defined organelle and in the microenvironment of a target protein, to analyze cellular function.

Animals↗

In situ gelling xyloglucan formulations for sustained release ocular delivery of pilocarpine hydrochloride.

Thermoreversible gels formed in situ by aqueous solutions of an enzyme-degraded xyloglucan polysaccharide were evaluated as sustained release vehicles for the ocular delivery of pilocarpine hydrochloride. In vitro release of pilocarpine from gels formed by warming xyloglucan sols (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% w/w) to 34 degrees C followed root-time kinetics over a period of 6 h. The miotic responses in rabbit following administration of xyloglucan sols were compared with those from in situ gelling Pluronic F127 sols and from an aqueous buffer solution containing the same drug concentration. Sustained release of pilocarpine was observed with all gels, the duration of miotic response increasing with increase of xyloglucan concentration. The degree of enhancement of miotic response following sustained release of pilocarpine from the 1.5% w/w xyloglucan gel was similar to that from a 25% w/w Pluronic F127 gel.

Animals↗

Nonsense and frameshift mutations in ZFHX1B, encoding Smad-interacting protein 1, cause a complex developmental disorder with a great variety of clinical features.

Mutations in ZFHX1B, encoding Smad-interacting protein 1 (SIP1), have been recently reported to cause a form of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Patients with ZFHX1B deficiency typically show mental retardation, delayed motor development, epilepsy, microcephaly, distinct facial features, and/or congenital heart disease, in addition to the cardinal form of HSCR. To investigate the breadth of clinical variation, we studied DNA samples from six patients with clinical profiles quite similar to those described elsewhere for ZFHX1B deficiency, except that they did not have HSCR. The results showed the previously reported R695X mutation to be present in three cases, with three novel mutations-a 2-bp insertion (760insCA resulting in 254fs262X), a single-base deletion (270delG resulting in 91fs107X), and a 2-bp deletion (2178delTT resulting in 727fs754X)-newly identified in the other three. All mutations occurred in one allele and were de novo events. These results demonstrate that ZFHX1B deficiency is an autosomal dominant complex developmental disorder and that individuals with functional null mutations present with mental retardation, delayed motor development, epilepsy, and a wide spectrum of clinically heterogeneous features suggestive of neurocristopathies at the cephalic, cardiac, and vagal levels.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗