Biomedical subjects

S Tanaka

Publications and source records attributed to S Tanaka.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Advanced glycation end products in Descemet's membrane and their effect on corneal endothelial cell.

PURPOSE: [corrected] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in Descemet's membrane on the attachment and spreading of the corneal endothelial cells. METHODS: An anti-AGEs monoclonal antibody (6D12), which recognizes a N(epsilon)-carboxymethyl lysine (CML)-protein adduct as an epitope, was used for immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fresh bovine Descemet's membrane was incubated for 4 weeks in the buffered solution with 500 mM of glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P). In the incubated Descemet's membrane, the immunohistochemical localization of CML was examined. Type I collagen-, type IV collagen-, fibronectin-, or laminin-coated 96-well plates were glycated by G-6-P. The amount of CML was determined by ELISA using 6D12. Cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells were seeded onto glycated or non-glycated extracellular matrix (ECM) in 96-well plates and allowed to attach for 3 hours. The number and the surface area of the attached cells were examined. RESULTS: Immunoreactivity to CML was detected in Descemet's membrane incubated in the buffered solution containing G-6-P. Glycation of fibronectin and laminin decreased the number and the surface area of the attached corneal endothelial cells. Aminoguanidine in the incubation mixture inhibited CML formation of ECM components and increased the number and the surface area of the attached corneal endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: AGE formation on fibronectin and laminin attenuated the attachment and spreading of the corneal endothelial cells. AGEs' formation in Descemet's membrane may be responsible for the corneal endothelial cell loss with aging and corneal endothelial abnormalities in diabetic patients

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Different distribution of HLA class II alleles in anti-topoisomerase I autoantibody responders between silicosis and systemic sclerosis patients, with a common distinct amino acid sequence in the HLA-DQB1 domain.

Autoantibodies against DNA topoisomerase I (anti-topo I) have been reported to be specific to systemic sclerosis (SSc), however, anti-topo I was detected in patients with silicone breast implants, SLE without features of SSc, and rheumatic diseases. We detected anti-topo I positive silicosis patients without any symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The correlation between anti-topo I autoantibody responses and HLA class II has been established. HLA-DRB1*1502; DQB1*0601 has been reported to be the most frequent anti-topo I associated haplotype among Japanese SSc patients. In this study, haplotype HLA-DR15; DQ6 was detected in all 4 anti-topo I positive Asian Japanese SSc patients randomly selected. Furthermore, HLA-DQB1*0402 was identified in 3 of 4 anti-topo I positive silicosis patients. These findings coincide with the results of a previous study, in which all 4 Japanese patients with anti-topo I had the DQB1*04 alleles, whereas no studies among Caucasian-Americans, African-Americans and Choctaw Indians found the involvement of DQB1*04. We investigated common features among various DQB 1 alleles. HLA-DQB I with a distinct characteristic is clearly involved in the anti-topo I response irrespective of ethnic groups, the main disease, or silica exposure. A common positioning of distinct amino acids, (i.e. positions 14, 30, 57 and 77 of the DQbeta1 domain are methionine, tyrosine, aspartic acid and threonine, respectively,) seems to be associated with anti-topo I response. The above-mentioned amino acid sequence is detected in alleles *0301, *0303, *0306, *0401, *0402, *0601 and *0602.

Alleles↗

PubMed2001

The role of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

The level of p27 expression decreases during tumor development and progression. Loss of p27 protein provides independent prognostic information in breast, prostate, colon, stomach and lung carcinomas. We generated a new polyclonal antibody against p27 and carried out immunohistochemical analysis of p27 expression in 61 specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 10 carcinoma in situ specimens, and 5 squamous epithelial dysplasia specimens of the esophagus. We examined the correlation of p27 expression with various clinicopathologic features and prognosis. In squamous epithelial dysplasia, the p27-positive cells were located in the superficial normal-appearing cells, not in the atypical cells. In carcinoma in situ, the expression of p27 was markedly lower than in normal esophageal epithelium. In advanced squamous cell carcinomas, high p27 correlated significantly with the degree of differentiation (p = 0.0002) and the depth of tumor invasion (p = 0.001) was statistically significant. The high p27 expression group had a better prognosis than did the low or negative p27 expression groups, but these differences were not statistically significant. These observations may imply that a decrease in p27 expression occurs early on in the carcinogenesis of esophageal carcinoma. In addition, p27 expression may correlate with the histologic differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed2001

Extracorporeal ultrasound is an effective diagnostic alternative to endoscopic ultrasound for gastric submucosal tumours.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the best modality in the diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumours (G-SMT), it is still invasive and expensive. We evaluated the usefulness of transabdominal ultrasonography (US) as an alternative to EUS in the assessment and clinical management of G-SMT. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 156 successive patients who had been diagnosed with G-SMT by direct endoscopic visualization. For each patient, US was performed prior to EUS by an examiner who had not been informed about the site or the size of the patient's G-SMT beforehand. US diagnoses were compared with those ascertained by EUS. Diagnostic grade by US was divided into three groups: diagnosed (G-SMT was clearly demonstrated including location, site and type), detected (G-SMT was demonstrable but the type was not clear) and undetected (G-SMT was not demonstrated by US). RESULTS: We found that US can be an alternative to EUS for: 1) diagnosis of extramural compression, 2) diagnosis of G-SMT with size >30 mm in diameter, 3) detection and measurement of the size of a G-SMT from 21 to 30 mm in diameter, and 4) detection and measurement of the size of a G-SMT at both the gastric angle and cardia, regardless of the size of the tumour. Overall sensitivity and specificity for the detection of G-SMT were 82.5% and 100%, respectively. The diagnostic rates of G-SMT in each group were 60.1% (86/143) for diagnosed, 22.4% (32/143) for detected and 17.5% (25/143) for undetected. Approximate 95% (21/22) of G-SMT over 20 mm in diameter were at least detected, and 97% (30/31) of G-SMT over 30 mm in diameter were diagnosed by US. CONCLUSION: US can be an alternative method in the assessment of G-SMT, especially in the follow-up of patients already diagnosed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Sesquiterpene glucosides from anti-leukotriene B4 release fraction of Taraxacum officinale.

Chemical examination of the MeOH extract of the root of Taraxacum officinale, which exhibited inhibitory activity on the formation of leukotriene B4 from activated human neutrophils, has resulted in the isolation of 14-O-beta-D-glucosyl-11,13-dihydro-taraxinic acid (1) and 14-O-beta-D-glucosyl-taraxinic acid (2). The absolute stereostructure of 1 has been established by X-ray chrystallographic examination.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

PubMed2001

Rapid and wide-reaching delivery of HIV-1 env DNA vaccine by intranasal administration.

Although the potential of DNA vaccination is now beginning to be greatly appreciated, no detailed study of its localization in tissue or its expression kinetics has been reported. In this study, we investigated these issues using HIV-1 DNA plasmids administered either intranasally or intramuscularly. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) plasmids administered intranasally localized in the alveoli, lung, liver, spleen, regional lymph nodes, kidney, fetus, and esophagus. These HIV plasmids were detected 2 to 4 weeks after administration. We detected messenger RNA production of HIV env gene in the lung, liver and spleen, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific proteins were detectable in the lung. These observations may provide important information for understanding the mechanisms of strong immune activation induced by DNA vaccination via the intranasal route. This technology of DNA administration suggests possible practical applications for vaccination and probably for gene therapy.

AIDS Vaccines↗

PubMed2001

Prefrontal gray matter volume reduction in first episode schizophrenia.

Functional measures have consistently shown prefrontal abnormalities in schizophrenia. However, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of prefrontal volume reduction have been less consistent. In this study, we evaluated prefrontal gray matter volume in first episode (first hospitalized) patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, compared with first episode patients diagnosed with affective psychosis and normal comparison subjects, to determine the presence in and specificity of prefrontal abnormalities to schizophrenia. Prefrontal gray and white matter volumes were measured from first episode patients with schizophrenia (n = 17), and from gender and parental socio-economic status-matched subjects with affective (mainly manic) psychosis (n = 17) and normal comparison subjects (n = 17), age-matched within a narrow age range (18--29 years). Total (left and right) prefrontal gray matter volume was significantly reduced in first episode schizophrenia compared with first episode affective psychosis and comparison subjects. Follow-up analyses indicated significant left prefrontal gray matter volume reduction and trend level reduction on the right. Schizophrenia patients showed 9.2% reduction on the left and 7.7% reduction on the right compared with comparison subjects. White matter volumes did not differ among groups. These data suggest that prefrontal cortical gray matter volume reduction is selectively present at first hospitalization in schizophrenia but not affective psychosis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Equine follicle-stimulating hormone: molecular cloning of beta subunit and biological role of the asparagine-linked oligosaccharide at asparagine(56) of alpha subunit.

Equine FSH (eFSH) and eCG are members of the glycoprotein hormone family. These proteins are heterodimeric, composed of noncovalently associated alpha and beta subunits. We have previously reported that recombinant eCG has potent LH- and FSH-like activities and that the oligosaccharide at Asn(56) of the alpha subunit plays an indispensable role in expressing LH- but not FSH-like activity. In the present study, we cloned eFSH beta subunit cDNA and expressed wild-type recombinant eFSH and a partially deglycosylated mutant FSH (eFSH alpha56/beta) to investigate the biological role of the oligosaccharide at Asn(56) in FSH activity. The wild-type eFSH and eCG stimulated estradiol production in a dose-dependent manner in the primary cultures of rat granulosa cells, indicating that these equine gonadotropins have FSH activity. Partially deglycosylated eCG (eCG alpha56/beta) also stimulated estradiol production, confirming that the FSH-like activity of eCG is resistant to the removal of the N-linked oligosaccharide. Partially deglycosylated eFSH (eFSH alpha56/beta), however, did not show any FSH activity, indicating that the oligosaccharide at Asn(56) was necessary for eFSH. Thus, FSH-like activities of two gonadotropins, eCG and eFSH, are evoked through the distinct molecular mechanisms regarding the biological role of oligosaccharide at Asn(56) of the alpha subunit.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Placentomegaly in cloned mouse concepti caused by expansion of the spongiotrophoblast layer.

Hypertrophic placenta, or placentomegaly, has been reported in cloned cattle and mouse concepti, although their placentation processes are quite different from each other. It is therefore tempting to assume that common mechanisms underlie the impact of somatic cell cloning on development of the trophoblast cell lineage that gives rise to the greater part of fetal placenta. To characterize the nature of placentomegaly in cloned mouse concepti, we histologically examined term cloned mouse placentas and assessed expression of a number of genes. A prominent morphological abnormality commonly found among all cloned mouse placentas examined was expansion of the spongiotrophoblast layer, with an increased number of glycogen cells and enlarged spongiotrophoblast cells. Enlargement of trophoblast giant cells and disorganization of the labyrinth layer were also seen. Despite the morphological abnormalities, in situ hybridization analysis of spatiotemporally regulated placenta-specific genes did not reveal any drastic disturbances. Although repression of some imprinted genes was found in Northern hybridization analysis, it was concluded that this was mostly due to the reduced proportion of the labyrinth layer in the entire placenta, not to impaired transcriptional activity. Interestingly, however, cloned mouse fetuses appeared to be smaller than those of litter size-matched controls, suggesting that cloned mouse fetuses were under a latent negative effect on their growth, probably because the placentas are not fully functional. Thus, a major cause of placentomegaly is expansion of the spongiotrophoblast layer, which consequently disturbs the architecture of the layers in the placenta and partially damages its function.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Inhibitory effects of etomidate and ketamine on endothelium-dependent relaxation in canine pulmonary artery.

BACKGROUND: The authors recently demonstrated that acetylcholine-induced pulmonary vasorelaxation had two primary components, nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). The goal was to investigate the effects of etomidate and ketamine on the NO- and EDHF-mediated components of pulmonary vasorelaxation in response to acetylcholine, bradykinin, and the calcium ionophore, A23187. METHODS: Canine pulmonary arterial rings with an intact endothelium were suspended in organ chambers for isometric tension recording. The effects of etomidate and ketamine (10(-5) M and 10(-4) M) on vasorelaxation responses to acetylcholine, bradykinin, and A23187 were assessed in phenylephrine-contracted rings. The NO- and EDHF-mediated components of relaxation were assessed using a NO synthase inhibitor (N-nitro-L-arginine methylester [L-NAME]: 10(-4) M) and a Ca2+-activated potassium channel inhibitor (tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate [TBA]: 10(-3) M) in rings pretreated with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (ibuprofen: 10(-5) M). Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured in cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells loaded with acetoxylmethyl ester of fura-2. RESULTS: Etomidate and ketamine attenuated pulmonary vasorelaxation in response to acetylcholine and bradykinin, whereas they had no effect on the response to A23187. The relaxant responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin were attenuated by L-NAME or TBA alone and were abolished by combined inhibition in rings pretreated with ibuprofen. Etomidate and ketamine further attenuated both L-NAME-resistant and TBA-resistant relaxation. These anesthetics also inhibited increases in endothelial [Ca2+]i in response to bradykinin, but not A23187. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that etomidate and ketamine attenuated vasorelaxant responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin by inhibiting both NO- and EDHF-mediated components. Moreover, our results suggest that these anesthetics do not directly suppress NO or EDHF activity, but rather inhibit the endothelial [Ca2+]i transient in response to receptor activation.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed2001

Propofol potentiates phenylephrine-induced contraction via cyclooxygenase inhibition in pulmonary artery smooth muscle.

BACKGROUND: The authors previously demonstrated in vivo that the pulmonary vasoconstrictor response to the a agonist phenylephrine is potentiated during propofol anesthesia compared with the conscious state. The current in vitro study tested the hypothesis that propofol potentiates phenylephrine-induced contraction by inhibiting the synthesis and/or activity of vasodilator metabolites of the cyclooxygenase pathway. METHODS: Canine pulmonary arterial rings were suspended for isometric tension recording. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured in pulmonary arterial strips loaded with acetoxylmethyl ester of fura-2. After phenylephrine-induced contraction, propofol (10(-7) to 10(-4) M) was administered in the presence or absence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor ibuprofen (10(-5) M). The effects of propofol on the arachidonic acid and prostacyclin relaxation-response curves were assessed. The amount of 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha (stable metabolite of prostacyclin) released from pulmonary vascular smooth muscle in response to phenylephrine was measured with enzyme immunoassay in the presence or absence of propofol and ibuprofen. RESULTS: Propofol potentiated phenylephrine-induced contraction in pulmonary arterial rings in a concentration-dependent and endothelium-independent manner. In endothelium-denuded strips, propofol (10(-4) M) increased tension by 53+/-11%, and increased [Ca2+]i by 56+/-9%. Ibuprofen also potentiated phenylephrine-induced contraction but abolished the propofol-induced increases in tension and [Ca2+]i. Propofol had no effect on the relaxation response to prostacyclin, whereas propofol and ibuprofen attenuated the relaxation response to arachidonic acid to a similar extent. Phenylephrine markedly increased 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha production, and this effect was virtually abolished by propofol and ibuprofen. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that propofol potentiates alpha-adrenoreceptor-mediated pulmonary vasoconstriction by inhibiting the concomitant production of prostacyclin by cyclooxygenase.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

PubMed2001

Bile leakage after hepatic resection.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the perioperative risk factors for postoperative bile leakage after hepatic resection, to evaluate the intraoperative bile leakage test as a preventive measure, and to propose a treatment strategy for postoperative bile leakage according to the outcome of these patients. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Bile leakage remains a common cause of major complications after hepatic resection. METHODS: Between January 1985 and June 1999, 781 hepatic resections without bilioenteric anastomosis were performed at the authors' institution. Perioperative risk factors related to postoperative bile leakage were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis. The characteristics of patients with intractable bile leakage and the effect of intraoperative bile leakage test were also examined. Management was evaluated in relation to the outcomes and the clinical characteristics of the patients with bile leakage. RESULTS: Bile leakage developed in 31 (4.0%) of 781 hepatic resections. This complication carried high risks for surgical death (two patients [6.5%] died). The stepwise logistic regression analysis identified high-risk surgical procedure, in which the cut surface exposed the major Glisson's sheath and included the hepatic hilum (i.e., anterior segmentectomy, central bisegmentectomy, or total caudate lobectomy), as the independent predictor of the development of postoperative bile leakage. None of the 102 cases in which an intraoperative bile leakage test was performed were subsequently complicated by postoperative bile leakage, and the preventive effect of the test was statistically significant. Patients with fisterographically demonstrable leakage from the hepatic hilum and with postoperative uncontrollable ascites had poor outcomes. CONCLUSION: Patients with bile leakage from the hepatic hilum and postoperative uncontrollable ascites tend to have a poor prognosis. Therefore, especially when a high-risk surgical procedure is performed in patients with liver cirrhosis, more careful surgical procedures and use of an intraoperative bile leakage test are recommended.

Bile↗

PubMed2001

An experimental study on radiation streaming through a labyrinth in a proton accelerator facility of intermediate energy.

A radiation streaming experiment has been carried out at the Takasaki Ion Accelerator Facility for Advanced Radiation Application at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute in a room housing a Cu target irradiated with 68 MeV protons and in a labyrinth of three-legs having a total length of 29 m. In the experiment, neutron and gamma ray energy spectra, neutron reaction rates, and neutron and gamma ray dose equivalent rates were measured using various counters and dosimeters. The experimental data show the applicability of some empirical formulas for estimating the thermal neutron flux in a room and neutrons streaming in a labyrinth designed for a proton accelerator operating in the intermediate energy region. The data suggest that it is mandatory to estimate the gamma ray dose equivalent rate in a labyrinth, which is dominated by the secondary gamma rays due to the neutron capture reaction.

Academies and Institutes↗

PubMed2001

Induction of the HSP110/105 family in the rat hippocampus in cerebral ischemia and ischemic tolerance.

Recently, the authors isolated a novel gene of the HSP110 family, ischemia responsive protein 94 kDa (irp94), and demonstrated the expression of this gene after transient forebrain ischemia. In the current study, the authors investigated the expression profiles of all HSP110 family members including hsp110/105 and osp94/apg-1, after transient forebrain ischemia using rat four-vessel occlusion model. Among three members of the HSP110 family, induction of hsp110/105 was the most prominent after ischemia. hsp110/105 mRNA expression was clearly enhanced from 4 to 24 hours after a 6-minute or longer ischemic period. First, hsp110/105 mRNA expression was induced in the dentate gyrus, and later in the pyramidal layer. HSP110/105 protein expression also was enhanced by a 6-minute or longer period of ischemia. Profiles of HSP110/105 expression after ischemia were similar to those of inducible HSP70. After transient forebrain ischemia for 10 minutes, HSP110/105 protein was induced in the dentate gyrus and the CA3 pyramidal layer, but not in the CA1 pyramidal neurons. However, 6 minutes of ischemia induced the HSP110/105 protein, as well as the HSP70 protein, in the CA1 region. CA1 pyramidal neurons expressing HSP110/105 acquired tolerance against subsequent severe ischemia. In conclusion, HSP110/105 showed the most prominent induction after ischemia among the three HSP110 gene family members. Colocalization of HSP110/105 and HSP70 in the CA1 neurons that acquired tolerance suggested that induced HSP110/105 might contribute to ischemic tolerance together with HSP70.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Down-regulation in multiple human cancers of a novel gene, DMHC, from 17q25.1 that encodes an integral membrane protein.

Frequent observations of allelic loss in chromosomal band 17q25.1 in a variety of human cancers have suggested that one or more tumor suppressor genes are present in that region. Moreover, a genetic locus for hereditary focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, a condition associated with cancer of the esophagus (TOC; Tylosis with Oesophageal Cancer), lies in the same region. We screened cell lines derived from a variety of human cancers by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect alterations in expression of genes within the region in question, by examining expressed sequence tags located there. These experiments identified an 1834-bp full-length cDNA encoding a novel, 441-amino acid integral membrane protein with seven putative transmembrane domains. This gene showed loss or extreme decrease of expression in 6 of 10 uterine cancer-cell lines, 2 of 11 hepatic cell carcinoma-cell lines, 2 of 7 lung cancer-cell lines, 1 of 6 gastric cancer-cell lines, and 1 of 10 breast cancer-cell lines. (We named it DMHC ("down-regulated in multiple human cancers").) Our results suggest that loss of expression of DMHC at 17q25.1 may play an important role in development of variety of human cancers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Comparison of in-phantom dose distributions for coronary angiography using an x-ray machine and synchrotron radiation.

Coronary cineangiography using synchrotron radiation is anticipated, owing to the high intensity and availability of monoenergy. To investigate allowable dose levels in clinical application, absorbed dose distribution in a tissue substitute phantom for a conventional x-ray machine was measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters at the University of Tsukuba under the practical conditions used for digital angiography. The dose rate at a 0.5-cm depth was 0.145 Gy/s, and the dose per frame was 0.725 mGy for the irradiation period of 5 ms per frame. For synchrotron radiation, the dose distribution measurement was made at a 5-GeV AR (Accumulation Ring) of the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, in which a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom was irradiated with the strongest beam available at the facility, which was 33.32 keV, 5.2 x 6.2 cm2 beam. Using this beam, a 1-mm-diameter coronary artery has been visualized at 1% iodine concentration at the AR. Nonhomogeneous strength distribution in the beam was observed in the vertical direction. The maximum dose rate was 0.556 Gy/s, and it attenuated to 1/3000 at a 30-cm depth in the beam center. At the deep positions, the doses were influenced by the high harmonics, which was confirmed with an EGS4 Monte Carlo calculation. Outside the beam, beam contamination on both sides of the main beam affected the doses. For comparison to the x-ray machine, the measured dose was analytically converted to that needed for a 5.2 x 16 cm2 beam that is used for clinical application. The dose rate at 0.5-cm depth was found to be 0.215 Gy/s, which is 1.48 times larger than that for x-rays. Moreover, the attenuation rate in the phantom was significantly greater than that of the x-ray machine, because of the difference of the energy spectra between the x-rays and synchrotron radiation used.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

PubMed2001

Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in contaminated BACTEC 12B broth cultures by testing with Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct Test.

Contamination of broth cultures of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) by bacterial species other than Mycobacterium species frequently occurs. Many of these contaminated cultures require redecontamination and reincubation before the appropriate tests can be performed for identification, significantly affecting the turnaround time for reporting culture results. In this study, the Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct Test (MTD; Gen-Probe) was performed to detect the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in 125 BACTEC 12B broth cultures with positive growth indices. Among these, 41 grew non-AFB bacteria only, and all 41 were negative by the MTD. The remaining 84 bottles contained contaminated cultures that grew both AFB and other bacteria or yeasts. Repeat decontamination and reincubation of these specimens required a mean time of 13 days (range, 3 to 40 days). The MTD results were positive for 10 samples, 9 of which were MTBC culture positive and 1 of which grew Myobacterium celatum, a species known to cross-react in the MTD. All cultures growing other mycobacterial species were negative by the MTD. The results of this study demonstrate that the MTD is both sensitive and specific in detecting MTBC in contaminated broth cultures and that, when used selectively, the MTD can potentially rule in or out a diagnosis of MTBC as much as 12 days earlier than using nonamplified DNA probe testing alone can.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

PubMed2001

Vulnerability of the gradually elongated nerve to compression injury.

The purpose of this study is to clarify the vulnerability of the gradually elongated peripheral nerve. Rabbit's sciatic nerves were gradually elongated to 30 mm at the rate of 2.0 mm/day and 4.0 mm/day. Immediately after elongation, the sciatic nerve was exposed and compressed for 30 minutes at various forces, 15, 30 and 60 g/0.1 cm(2). Immediately after elongation and compression, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after compression, each group was electrophysiologically and histologically estimated--15 g/0.1 cm(2) caused no damage to the control group, neurapraxia to the 2.0 mm/day group, and axonotmesis to the 4.0 mm/day group; 30 g/0.1 cm(2) caused neurapraxia to the control group and axonotmesis to the 2.0 mm/day group; 60 g/0.1 cm(2) caused axonotmesis to the control group and slowly recovered axonotmesis to the 2.0 mm/day group. This study shows that though mild compression, does not cause nerve injury to the intact nerve, it can sometimes cause severe damage to the gradual elongated nerve.

Animals↗