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Biomedical subjects

S Ohno

Publications and source records attributed to S Ohno.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources

[Clinical study of occlusal forces on dental implants].

The object of this investigation was to analyze occlusal force in patients applied an implant-supported prosthesis. The occlusal force was measured on four free end saddle patients applied 10 dental implants (F. E.) and two bounded saddle patients 4 dental implants. The pressure sensitive sheet and the image scanner (Dental Prescale 50H type R and Occluzer FPD 703, Fuji Photo Film Co.) were used. The occlusal force (O. F.) occurred in implanted portion was almost the same as that on a natural tooth. O. F. and O. F. bearing rate (B. R.) on the posterior dentitions applied implants tended to increase toward the distal side. The total O. F. had a tendency to increase after applying implant-supported prosthesis, and comparing implanted side with non-implanted (natural teeth) side, B. R. was equilibrium. On the other hand, occlusal contact areas, O. F. and B. R. were decreased at the most distal tooth of residual dentition on the implant side of F. E.

Aged↗

Structure and composition of rat precorneal tear film. A study by an in vivo cryofixation.

PURPOSE: To visualize the in vivo structure and to investigate the composition of rat precorneal tear film. METHODS: An in vivo cryofixation with freeze substitution method of electron microscopy was used for the study. For light and transmission electron microscopy, a small amount of aluminum powder was used as a tracer spread on the corneal surface. The eyeballs were immediately and quickly frozen by pouring an isopentane-propane mixture cooled by liquid nitrogen directly over the eyes. For scanning electron microscopy, the corneal surface was freeze-fractured after the cryofixation. The specimens were then freeze-substituted and prepared conventionally for microscopic observation. RESULTS: The tear film appeared as a layer of homogeneous and fine network-like structures varying from 2 to 6 microns in thickness on the corneal surface, with a membrane-like layer covering its surface. The aluminum powder was located on the surface of the tear film. The tear film could be removed completely by applying 10% or 20% acetylcysteine, but not by phosphate buffer. CONCLUSIONS: The in vivo structure of the rat tear film is composed primarily of mucus, with a lipid layer covering its surface but without a free aqueous layer. The "three layers theory" of tear film structure requires revisions.

Acetylcysteine↗

Novel isoform of myotonin protein kinase: gene product of myotonic dystrophy is localized in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle.

It is quite important to know the exact localization and function of myotonin protein kinase (MtPK), identified as the gene product of myotonic dystrophy, the most prevalent disease with multisystem disorders among muscular dystrophies. To investigate the localization of MtPK, we raised a polyclonal antibody against a synthetic peptide chosen within the deduced sequence of MtPK. This antibody detected both a membrane-bound 70-kd protein and a soluble 55-kd protein on Western blots of human muscles. By using this antibody for immunohistochemical studies of both biopsied human skeletal muscle fibers and mature innervated cultured muscle fibers, we can now demonstrate by confocal laser scanning microscopy that MtPK is localized mainly in the I-band. By immunoelectron microscopy, it was determined that MtPK is a membrane-bound protein localized mainly in the terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of the ultrastructural localization of MtPK. This finding is quite important for clarifying the pathophysiological basis of myotonic dystrophy, which might be due to a dysregulation of calcium metabolism.

Actins↗

[Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)-CREST overlap syndrome complicated with Sjögren's syndrome].

We reported two sisters of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)-CREST overlap syndrome complicated with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Both patients had Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerodactylia, telangiectasia, chronic sialoadenitis, chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis by liver biopsy and were positive for anti-centromere antibodies. This is the first report of two sisters of PBC-CREST overlap syndrome complicated with SS.

Autoantibodies↗

[Ultrastructural study of lens in rat hereditary cataract by quick-freezing and deep-etching].

The cytoskeleton of lens fiber cells in rats with hereditary cataract (ICR/f) was studied by quick-freezing and deep-etching. Two kinds of filamentous structure with diameters of 5 and 10 approximately 15 nm were observed in the cortical fiber cells. They showed meshwork structures which were buried in globular particles. These filamentous structures were mostly absent in the nucleus fiber cells, but aggregated and fused globular particles with diameters of 10 approximately 20 nm were observed. Small cavities were sometimes observed in their cytoplasm. Between lens fiber cells, many globular structures were also seen. These changes might represent the degeneration of the lens fiber cells in cataract lenses.

Animals↗

[Analysis of the profile of CD4+ cells in Behçet's disease].

The cell-mediated immune response and disorders of the cytokine-producing cells play an important role in the pathogenic mechanisms of Behçet's disease. Recently, CD4+ T helper cells have been categorized into at least two distinct subsets based on their profiles of cytokine production. We analyzed the number of interleukin (IL)-2 producing type 1 helper T (Th1) cells and IL-4 producing Th2 cells from 22 patients (male: 12, female: 10) with Behçet's disease and 19 normal controls (male: 9) by flow cytometric analysis. The patients with Behçet's disease were categorized into two groups by the activity of ocular inflammation; one group comprised the active cases (13 patients) and the other the inactive cases (9 patients). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients and normal controls were stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3 mAb for 6 hours and immunostained with anti IL-2 and anti IL-4 mAbs followed by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated 2nd Abs. The number of IL-2 producing CD4+ cells in Behçet's disease patients with active uveoretinitis was significantly higher than that from both inactive cases (p < 0.005) and controls (p < 0.01). In contrast, the number of IL-4 producing CD4+ cells showed no significant difference among the groups. These results may indicate that Th1 cells play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of ocular inflammation of Behçet's disease. Thus, analysis of Th subsets in Behçet's disease may be useful for management of the disease.

Adult↗

Membrane skeletons in avian erythrocytes as revealed by the quick-freezing and deep-etching method.

Ultrastructure of chicken erythrocytes were examined by the quick-freezing and deep-etching (QF-DE) method. Some erythrocytes were fixed with paraformaldehyde and prepared with erythrocyte-splitting method or saponin treatment to remove soluble proteins before quick-freezing. Others were prepared in the cytosol buffer with the erythrocyte-splitting method to obtain natural state of cytoskeletons. Non-expanding membrane skeletons were highly condensed on the cytoplasmic side of lipid membrane in the paraformaldehyde-fixed specimens. Under unilateral extension of the specimens, long stretched filaments were connected alternately with condensed filamentous or granular structures under erythrocyte membranes. As the membrane skeletons got closer to the marginal bands, they become more dense network structures. Moreover, in the fresh unfixed specimens, dense networks of filaments were localized underlying erythrocyte membranes in a relatively intact state. Fine filaments connected the marginal microtubule bands to the cytoplasmic sides of erythrocyte membranes. The different distribution of each cytoskeletal component and the association of these structures may support the elliptocytic shape of chicken erythrocytes and resist the dynamic circumstance.

Animals↗

Immunocytochemical study of dystrophin localization in cone cells of mouse retinas.

PURPOSE: Previously, the authors reported that dystrophin was observed under the rod cell membranes in rat retinas. However, it was not determined whether dystrophin is located in cone cells. In the current study, the authors clarify dystrophin localization in cone cells of mouse retinas. METHODS: Immunoblotting, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and immunoelectron microscopy were used to investigate retinal dystrophin with a monoclonal antibody raised against the human dystrophin C-terminus. RESULTS: Immunoblotting analysis showed some immunoreactive bands from retinal extracts. Confocal images indicated two different immunostaining patterns: One was a tiny dot, and the other was a larger, aggregated dot. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that retinal dystrophin was localized in cone cells as well as in rod cells. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal dystrophin is a common component of cone and rod cells and probably is related to the physiological function of photoreceptor cells.

Animals↗

Detection of hepatitis G virus RNA in patients with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and non-A-E hepatitis by RT-PCR using multiple primer sets.

Hepatitis G virus(HGV)/GB virus C(GBV-C) is a newly identified virus associated with human hepatitis. The preliminary prevalence studies of HGV infection in Japan were entirely based on the detection of HGV RNA by RT-PCR. However, the selection of the different primer sets in such assay may influence sensitivity of the test because of the extensive genetic heterogeneity of HGV, and influence the estimation of the prevalence of HGV. To address this potential problem, we designed two primer sets from well conserved domains in the 5'NC and NS5 regions of HGV genome, and tested them together with the NS3-derived primer set in RT-PCR for their ability to detect HGV RNA in serial dilution of synthetic viral RNA templates. Subsequently, we used these three primer sets to detect HGV RNA in the sera of 371 Japanese patients with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and non-A-E hepatitis. The results indicated that the primer set derived from the 5'NC region appeared to be most effective in detecting HGV RNA. The results also showed that only two out of the 126 patients (1.6%) with non-A-E hepatitis were positive for HGV RNA although the RNA were detected more frequently in patients with hepatitis B (2/38; 5.3%) and hepatitis C (17/207; 8.2%), suggesting that HGV is not a common causative agent for non-A-E hepatitis in Japan.

Base Sequence↗

Scientific basis for the combination of tegafur with uracil.

Fujii et al reported that Uracil potentiated the antitumor activity of fluorouracil (5-FU) and 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (tegafur). This effect was due to inhibition of the degradation of 5-FU, yet the phosphorylation of 5-FU was unaffected. The molar ratio of tegafur and uracil was 1:4, a combination that has since been widely prescribed in Japan for the treatment of cancer patients. We present here our experimental and clinical results when investigating the antineoplastic effects of this combination of drugs--known as UFT--and provide evidence that UFT is an effective treatment for patients with cancer.

Chemotherapy, Adjuvant↗

Candesartan prevents the progression of mesangioproliferative nephritis in rats.

We previously reported a new animal model of progressive glomerulonephritis induced by a single intravenous injection of the anti-Thy-1 monoclonal antibody MoAb 1-22-3 into uninephrectomized rats (Clin Exp Immunol 102: 181-185, 1995). We examined the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist (candesartan) on the clinical features and morphological lesions of this new model. By 10 weeks after induction of nephritis, untreated rats had developed hypertension, massive proteinuria, renal dysfunction, and severe glomerular injury, while uninephrectomized control rats had not. There was a significant increase in levels of glomerular protein and cortical mRNA for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and type I and type III collagens in untreated nephritic rats. Ten week treatments with candesartan and hydralazine significantly reduced blood pressure (BP) to an equal extent. Candesartan, but not hydralazine, prevented proteinuria, normalized renal function, and ameliorated glomerular injury. Candesartan also reduced levels of glomerular protein and cortical mRNA for TGF-beta and type I and type III collagens, while hydralazine did not. These findings suggest that candesartan prevents progression to end-stage renal failure by modulating the effects of Ang II at least in part on the production of TGF-beta and type I and type III collagens, and not merely on systemic BP.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

[A case of chronic pigeon breeder's lung].

The patient, a 59-year-old woman, was admitted for further evaluation after a routine checkup in 1990 revealed an interstitial shadow chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia caused by her pigeons, was diagnosed. The patient later disposed of the pigeons and henhouse, where upon, she experienced dyspnea on exertion. In January 1995, the patient was admitted to our hospital with a progressive pulmonary interstitial shadow. Lung biopsy after thoracoscopic surgery revealed centrilobular fibrotic lesions, as well as, small honeycomb-like and granulomatous lesions. An antibody to the pigeon serum was detected in the patient's serum by the ouchterlony method. Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia caused by pigeons is rare, and previously documented histological findings are few.

Animals↗

[Clinico-pathological analysis of interstitial pneumonia associated with collagen vascular disease in patients with lung cancer].

We investigated interstitial pneumonia associated with collagen vascular disease (IP-CVD) in association with lung cancer. Seventy-three cases of IP-CVD were included in this study. Nine (12%) of the 73 cases were associated with lung cancer, one of which had double lung cancers. The histological types of the cancers were adenocarcinoma (5 cases), epidermoid carcinoma (2 cases), small cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (one case each). The lesions were located in the central or peripheral lung in 3 and 7 of the ten cancers, respectively. Of the seven cases diagnosed as having IP-CVD followed by lung cancer, five had stage I disease, and one each of the remaining two cases was in stage IIIA and stage IV. Six of the seven peripheral cancer lesions which were resected or autopsied could be analyzed with regard to the topographical relationship between the primary site and fibrotic lesions. Only three cancers were encased by or in close proximity to, honeycomb lung, although most of the lung cancers arose in relation to fibrotic lesions. Moreover, the acute exacerbation of IP-CVD after operation or chemotherapy without thoracic irradiation should be monitored carefully.

Aged↗

Serologic survey for HTLV-I in Kanagawa Prefecture.

To investigate the seroprevalence of HTLV-I in Kanagawa Prefecture (central Japan), we tested the sera of 8,264 healthy volunteers and 2,414 pregnant women. Of the 8,264 healthy volunteers, 66 (0.80%) were seropositive. The seroprevalence of HTLV-I in the pregnant women was 14/2,414 (0.58%), and this rate was almost identical to that in the healthy female volunteers 15 to 44 years of age (0.59%). These figures indicate that the seroprevalence of HTLV-I in Kanagawa Prefecture is very low and that sexual contact may not be an important contributory factor.

Adolescent↗

The Malthusian parameter of ascents: what prevents the exponential increase of one's ancestors?

The reason that the indefinite exponential increase in the number of one's ancestors does not take place is found in the law of sibling interference, which can be expressed by the following simple equation: [equation: see text] where Nn is the number of ancestors in the nth generation, ASZ is the average sibling size of these ancestors, and Nn + 1 is the number of ancestors in the next older generation (n + 1). Accordingly, the exponential increase in the number of one's ancestors is an initial anomaly that occurs while ASZ remains at 1. Once ASZ begins to exceed 1, the rate of increase in the number of ancestors is progressively curtailed, falling further and further behind the exponential increase rate. Eventually, ASZ reaches 2, and at that point, the number of ancestors stops increasing for two generations. These two generations, named AN SA and AN SA + 1, are the most critical in the ancestry, for one's ancestors at that point come to represent all the progeny-produced adults of the entire ancestral population. Thereafter, the fate of one's ancestors becomes the fate of the entire population. If the population to which one belongs is a successful, slowly expanding one, the number of ancestors would slowly decline as you move toward the remote past. This is because ABZ would exceed 2. Only when ABZ is less than 2 would the number of ancestors increase beyond the AN SA and AN SA + 1 generations. Since the above is an indication of a failing population on the way to extinction, there had to be the previous AN SA involving a far greater number of individuals for such a population. Simulations indicated that for a member of a continuously successful population, the AN SA ancestors might have numbered as many as 5.2 million, the AN SA generation being the 28th generation in the past. However, because of the law of increasingly irrelevant remote ancestors, only a very small fraction of the AN SA ancestors would have left genetic traces in the genome of each descendant of today.

Adult↗