Biomedical subjects

T Anzai

Publications and source records attributed to T Anzai.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

[Detection of Emericella nidulans from bedding materials in horse breeding environment and its significance as a causative agent of guttural pouch mycosis in horses].

Sixty-six new and used samples of horse bedding materials: 60 rice straws, 2 wheat straws, 2 timothy hays and 2 wood chips, were collected from horse breeding stables of 33 farms in Japan and examined for the presence of Emericella nidulans (E. nidulans; anam. Aspergillus nidulans). The incidence of E. nidulans in the bedding materials was 75.8% and there was no significant difference in detection of the fungus between the new and used materials (25 out of the 33 samples, respectively). The growth of E. nidulans isolated in sterilized rice straw culture was accelerated by the addition of water up to about Aw 0.94, which as determined to be the most favorable moisture content. The addition of 0.3% urea solution onto the sterilized rice straw culture also appeared to very effectively enhance its conidial and ascocarp formation. A significant influence of urea on conidial and ascocarp formation of E. nidulans isolates was confirmed by their cultures on a synthetic medium which had urea as the sole nitrogen. These results suggest that severe contamination of E. nidulans on new bedding materials can be hazardous and its proliferation can readily occur at the stable due to the enhancing effect of urine. This analysis is meaningful to elucidate a reservoir of E. nidulans as the causative agent of guttural pouch mycosis in horses.

Animal Husbandry↗

PubMed2000

Recurrent Wegener's granulomatosis with subglottic granulation.

While following the course of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) in which it had been possible to achieve a remission, we encountered a patient in whom we observed granuloma formation in the subglottis. A tracheotomy was performed because of the risk of respiratory distress, and after that there was a recrudescence of the patient's WG. During the course of the above, the patient remained cANCA (anti-neutrophil cytoplasmis antibody with cytoplasmic pattern)-negative. When these facts were considered, it appeared that when the lesions are localized and progressing gradually, cANCA positivity does not develop. While cANCA test has gradually become a powerful tool for the diagnosis of WG, a comprehensive physical examination to identify localized lesions, together with biopsy and histopathological examination, should allow the diagnosis of WG.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Salmonella Abortusequi strains of equine origin harbor a 95kb plasmid responsible for virulence in mice.

Most Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. choleraesuis serovar Abortusequi strains of equine origin harbor a 95kb plasmid, pSA95. Results of PCR and Southern blot analysis suggest that pSA95 contains spv genes. A pSA95-cured strain of S. Abortusequi was 48 times less virulent to mice than its parental strain. Virulence was restored by reintroduction of pSA95. These results provide clear evidence that pSA95 confers virulence on S. Abortusequi in mice. This is the first report describing a virulence plasmid of S. Abortusequi.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

In vivo pathogenicity and resistance to phagocytosis of Streptococcus equi strains with different levels of capsule expression.

The glossy non-encapsulated strain of Steptococcus equi, NCTC 9682, was compared with the matt strain Hidaka/95/2 which expresses a medium sized capsule and with the mucoid CF32 which expresses a large sized capsule in phagocytosis assays and for virulence in inoculated horses. The three strains, NCTC 9682, Hidaka /95/2 and CF32 produced 2.0, 3.1, and 5.3 mg/g wet cells respectively after 3 h incubation, but similar amounts of M-like proteins, cytotoxin and mitogen. NCTC 9682 showed no resistance to phagocytosis by equine neutrophils regardless of the presence of opsonin while strains Hidaka /95/2 and CF32 showed almost complete resistance to phagocytosis. Furthermore, NCTC 9682 produced no clinical disease although it infected the guttural pouch and caused seroconversion. Typical strangles with guttural pouch invasion was observed in all horses infected with encapsulated strains.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Adenylylcyclase increases responsiveness to catecholamine stimulation in transgenic mice.

BACKGROUND: The cellular content of cAMP generated by activation of adenylylcyclase (AC) through the beta-adrenergic receptor (betaAR) is a key determinant of a cell's response to catecholamine stimulation. We tested the hypothesis that increased AC content, independently of betaAR number, increases responsiveness to catecholamine stimulation in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: Transgenic mice with cardiac-directed expression of ACVI showed increased transgene AC expression but no change in myocardial betaAR number or G-protein content. When stimulated through the betaAR, cardiac function was increased, and cardiac myocytes showed increased cAMP production. In contrast, basal cAMP and cardiac function were normal, and long-term transgene expression was not associated with abnormal histological findings or deleterious changes in cardiac function. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of AC sets a limit on cardiac beta-adrenergic signaling in vivo, and increased AC, independent of betaAR number and G-protein content, provides a means to regulate cardiac responsiveness to betaAR stimulation. Overexpressing an effector (AC) does not alter transmembrane signaling except when receptors are activated, in contrast to receptor/G-protein overexpression, which yields continuous activation and has detrimental consequences. Our findings establish the importance of AC content in modulating beta-adrenergic signaling in the heart, suggesting a new target for safely increasing cardiac responsiveness to betaAR stimulation.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1999

Streptococcus equi but not Streptococcus zooepidemicus produces potent mitogenic responses from equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Streptococcus equi causes equine strangles. The acute disease has many of the hallmarks of an acute response including high fever, elevated plasma fibrinogen and neutrophilia, affects known to be mediated by proinflammatory cytokines. The objective of this study was to screen-culture supernatants from equine clinical isolates of S. equi and S. zooepidemicus for stimulation of mitogenic responses by horse peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Mitogenicity comparable to that of concanavalin A was detected in culture supernatants of S. equi strains but not in those of S. zooepidemicus. Mitogenicity was neutralised by Proteinase K and a post-strangles convalescent serum, and evidence for the presence of both thermo-resistant and thermo-labile mitogenic factors was obtained. Release of proteinaceous immunogenic mitogens in combination with the antiphagocytic protein SeM unique to S. equi may therefore contribute to some of the severe clinical manifestations of acute strangles in the horse.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Detection of a common genotype among strains of Taylorella equigenitalis isolated from thoroughbred horses in Japan between 1994 and 1996.

We examined whether or not the genotype J could be detected among 21 new strains of T. equigenitalis isolated between 1994 and 1996 in Japan since our previous report (MIYAZAWA et al. 1995). The respective pulsed-field gel electrophoretic profiles of the 21 Japanese strains, as well as those of an old EQ59 used as a reference strain after separate digestion with the two restriction enzymes, ApaI and NotI, were essentially identical but differed from those of T. equigenitalis NCTC11184T and KENTUCKY 188, respectively. Hence, the 21 strains and EQ59 appeared to have a common genotype J. Consequently, no strains of T. equigenitalis with any genotype other than genotype J may have reached Japan from 1980 to 1996 and strains with the genotype J have survived in Japan since the first invasion of contagious equine metritis into Japan.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

HLA-A33 and -B44 and susceptibility to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

HLA class I and class II alleles of 32 Japanese patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and 136 healthy controls were analyzed by serological (class I) and DNA (class II) typing for any significance in the susceptibility to varicella-zoster virus (VZV). We recognized positive associations of the development of PHN with the HLA class I antigens HLA-A33 and -B44, and the HLA-A33-B44 haplotype. This haplotype is tightly linked to DRB1*1302 in a Japanese healthy population. However, no significant association between PHN and HLA class II alleles was observed with no linkage of the HLA haplotype HLA-A33-B44 to HLA-DRB1*1302 in the patients with PHN. These findings suggest that HLA class I gene may genetically control the immune response against VZV in the pathogenesis of PHN.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Limited polymorphism in the HLA-DOA gene.

The HLA-DO molecule, a heterodimer consisting of two novel members of the class II gene family, DOA and DOB, has recently been suggested to function as an important modulator in the HLA class II restricted antigen presentation pathway by interaction with the HLA-DM molecule. In this study, we have analyzed genetic polymorphism and allelic variation of the HLA-DOA gene in 37 HLA class II homozygous typing cells using the direct DNA sequencing technique. As a result, we recognized at least eight allelic variations, DOA*01011, *0101201, *0101202, *0101203, *01013, *0101401, *0101402 and *01015. None of them, however, result in amino acid substitution. The HLA-DOA gene has been identified in other mammals as well, and the nucleotide sequences were well conserved among these species. These results suggest that the DOA molecule has undergone strong selective pressure to preserve functional structure and conformation required for interaction with the DM molecule, preventing non-synonymous amino acid substitution.

Alleles↗

PubMed1999

HLA genotyping of 5,000- and 6,000-year-old ancient bones in Japan.

We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA typing to identify HLA class II alleles of two individuals from ancient human remains. Genomic DNAs were isolated from two ancient human skeletons excavated from the Sanganji and Kitakogane sites in the main and northern islands of Japan, respectively. They were archaeologically estimated to be approximately 5,000 and 6,000 years old respectively, representing the remnants from the Jomon era. High molecular weight DNA was extracted by the standard proteinase K-phenol extraction method followed by purification with a Centricon-30 micro concentrator. Several rounds of PCR successfully gave rise to amplification of the HLA-DRB1 and -DQA1 genes. The PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing based typing (PCR-SBT) methods revealed that those ancient individuals possessed the DRB1 and DQA1 alleles which are highly prevalent among the modern north Asian as well as Japanese populations.

Alleles↗

PubMed1999

Development of a PCR test for rapid diagnosis of contagious equine metritis.

In order to establish a rapid diagnostic method for contagious equine metritis (CEM), we developed and evaluated a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Species-specific PCR primer sets were derived from the DNA sequence of a cloned DNA fragment of Taylorella equigenitalis that did not hybridize with the genome of a taxomonically related species, Oligella urethralis. Single step PCR with primer set P1-N2 and two-step semi-nested PCR with primer sets P1-N2 and P2-N2 detected as low as 100 and 10 CFU of the bacteria, respectively. Single-step PCR detected T. equigenitalis from genital swabs of experimentally infected mares with sensitivity comparable to that of bacterial isolation. Furthermore, two-step PCR was more sensitive than the culture method. Upon examination of field samples, 12 out of 3,123 samples were positive by single-step PCR while only 2 were positive by bacterial culture. The 12 PCR-positive samples originated from 5 mares, of which 3 animals were considered to be carriers based on previous bacteriologic and serologic diagnoses for CEM. The PCR test described in this study would provide a specific and highly sensitive tool for the rapid diagnosis of CEM.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

[Biological characteristics of Emericella nidulans isolated from horse guttural pouch mycosis].

Seven strains of Emericella nidulans were isolated from lesions in the guttural pouch of horses with mycosis of this pouch. All strains grew in a wide range of temperature, pH and in five kinds of culture media. The optimum temperature that supported their growth was 38 degrees C, and all seemed to prefer an acidic environment with a pH of 4.0. Proliferative conidial formation was found to be induced by the aforementioned temperature and pH. Moreover, detection of beta-haemolysis and protease production suggested that these strains are biologically and biochemically active, which may imply that they have a potent pathogenicity of their own. Characteristics of two other strains of E. nidulans isolated from fomites were the same as those isolated from the infected horses. These findings suggest that E. nidulans is a potentially pathogenic to horses.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase is not a predictor, but an indicator of kidney injury in patients with cardiac surgery.

The urinary excretion of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) was evaluated in terms of its ability to predict renal failure following open-heart surgery. Twenty-two patients were divided into three groups; 6 patients with post-operative renal failure (RF group), 9 without renal failure (non-RF group) and 7 who underwent non-cardiac surgery (non-ECC group). NAG levels during operation were significantly higher in the non-RF group than in the non-ECC group (2.28 +/- 0.50 U vs. 0.39 +/- 0.06 U, p < 0.01). NAG levels in the RF group were not significantly different from those in the non-ECC group (1.12 +/- 0.28 U/hr vs. 0.39 +/- 0.06 U/hr, p > 0.1), and in the non-RF group (1.12 +/- 0.28 U/hr vs. 2.28 +/- 0.50 U/hr, p > 0.1). Post-operative NAG levels were not significantly different between the RF and non-RF groups, whereas post-operative creatinine clearance values were significantly different (on 2, 6 and 7 post-operative day, p < 0.05). Our data suggest that the kidney is predisposed to renal failure by cardiopulmonary bypass and the chance of renal failure depends in some part on post-operative patient management.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

PubMed1998

Association between preinfarction angina and a lower risk of right ventricular infarction.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular infarction occurs in conjunction with inferior myocardial infarction caused by proximal occlusion of the right coronary artery. However, right ventricular infarction occurs infrequently, and the reasons for this are uncertain. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the association between preinfarction angina and right ventricular infarction, as well as the short-term outcome, in 113 patients with a first acute inferior myocardial infarction caused by right-coronary-artery occlusion. The association between the timing of angina during the week before infarction and the clinical outcome was also assessed. RESULTS: The absence of preinfarction angina predicted the development of right ventricular infarction (odds ratio, 6.3; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.7 to 15.1; P<0.001), complete atrioventricular block (odds ratio, 3.6; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.4 to 10.3; P=0.01), and combined hypotension and shock (odds ratio, 12.4; 95 percent confidence interval, 4.5 to 40.6; P<0.001). Angina 24 to 72 hours before infarction was most strongly associated with reductions in the rates of right ventricular infarction (adjusted odds ratio, 0.2; 95 percent confidence interval, 0 to 0.8; P=0.02) and combined hypotension and shock (adjusted odds ratio, 0.1; 95 percent confidence interval, 0 to 0.5; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Preinfarction angina was an independent predictor of the absence of right ventricular infarction in patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction. The patients with preinfarction angina also had better short-term outcomes than those without preinfarction angina.

Angina Pectoris↗

PubMed1998

Detection of virulent Rhodococcus equi in tracheal aspirate samples by polymerase chain reaction for rapid diagnosis of R. equi pneumonia in foals.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays were developed to detect virulent Rhodococcus equi in transtracheal aspirate samples from sick foals showing respiratory signs. An oligonucleotide primer pair from the sequence of the virulence-associated 15- to 17-kDa antigen gene of the virulence plasmid in virulent R. equi was used to amplify a 564 bp region by PCR, and the result was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. No positive reaction was seen in DNA from 13 different microorganisms typically found in the respiratory tract. In tracheal aspirates seeded with virulent R. equi, a visible band could detect 10 to 10(2) bacteria per PCR assay (10(3) to 10(4)/ml of the aspirate). Virulent R. equi was demonstrated in 31 of 42 transtracheal aspirates by culture and colony blot analysis, whereas a positive PCR result was observed in only 12 of the 31 culture positive samples. To prevent false-negative results, two methods were developed: a nested PCR and a PCR in combination with enrichment cultures of aspirates in the selective medium to increase the number of bacteria to 10(4)/ml or more. All of the PCR-negative and culture-positive samples were positive by the two methods. These results indicated that PCR-based assays provide a specific and sensitive means to detect virulent R. equi in tracheal aspirates of foals, and they are more rapid than the routine culture procedures for the diagnosis of R. equi pneumonia in foals.

Actinomycetales Infections↗

PubMed1998

Dissociation between regional dysfunction and beta-adrenergic receptor signaling in heart failure.

We have previously shown that left ventricular (LV) pacing-induced heart failure is associated with preserved wall thickening in the interventricular septum (IVS) compared with the posterolateral wall (PLW). The current study focuses on the relationship between regional myocardial function and altered beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) signaling. We studied 15 pigs: 6 controls and 9 paced from the left ventricle (225 beats/min, 26 +/- 3 days). Heart failure was documented by decreased LV fractional shortening (P < 0.0001) and increased left atrial pressure (P < 0.0001). In heart failure, despite marked differences in basal regional function (percent wall thickening: IVS, 33 +/- 10% vs. PLW, 13 +/- 7%; P = 0.0003), there were no differences between the two regions in beta-AR responsiveness, measured by regional wall thickening in response to dobutamine infusion and any measurement of adrenergic signaling. Adenylyl cyclase activity, beta-AR number, and beta-AR/Gs coupling were markedly reduced in failing LV without regional differences. In animals with heart failure, LV G protein receptor kinase (GRK) isoform 2 content was unchanged and GRK5, the other major GRK isoform, was increased more than threefold (IVS, 0.51 +/- 0.20 vs. 0. 12 +/- 0.12 arbitrary densitometric units, P = 0.01; PLW, 0.47 +/- 0. 15 vs. 0.13 +/- 0.09 arbitrary densitometric units, P = 0.03), but again, there were no regional differences. These data indicate that systemic rather than regional factors govern LV adrenergic signaling and that regional adrenergic signaling abnormalities poorly predict wall thickening in the same regions.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1998

Baroreceptor sensitivity during the compensatory phase of left ventricular overloading.

This study focused on the role of the baroreceptor-mediated control during the compensatory process after acute left ventricular overloading induced by aortic regurgitation (AR). Baroreceptor-heart rate sensitivity was measured using a phenylephrine-induced increase in blood pressure according to the steady state method before, 1 day, 1 week and 4 weeks after production of AR in 7 rabbits, and compared with 6 other rabbits that underwent a sham operation. Blood pressure was monitored noninvasively using Finapres in the unanesthetized state. Four weeks after the procedure, the left ventricular diameters of both end-diastole and end-systole were larger in the rabbits with AR than in the sham-operated rabbits. There was no difference in the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure or cardiac output. Left ventricular weight was higher in the rabbits with AR than in the sham-operated rabbits. Myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor density and norepinephrine content were comparable between the two groups. Baroreceptor-heart rate sensitivity significantly decreased 1 week after production of AR, and this alteration in sensitivity was partially restored 4 weeks after production of AR. These findings suggested that the altered baroreceptor-heart rate sensitivity was reversible, relating to the compensatory process after acute left ventricular overloading, and that these changes had some role in its pathophysiology.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed1997

C-reactive protein as a predictor of infarct expansion and cardiac rupture after a first Q-wave acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Pump failure after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can be predicted by several indices that estimate infarct size. However, there are few indices that predict infarct expansion and cardiac rupture. We focused on the prognostic significance of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) after AMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Serum CRP levels were measured every 24 hours in 220 patients with a first Q-wave AMI. In-hospital complications, predischarge left ventriculographic findings, and long-term prognosis were assessed in relation to peak CRP levels. Peak levels of both CRP and creatine kinase (CK) were higher in patients with pump failure than in those without pump failure. In patients with cardiac rupture, peak CRP levels were higher than in those without rupture (P=.001); peak CK levels were not predictive. Higher CRP levels were found in patients with left ventricular aneurysm (P=.001 versus those without), aggravated heart failure (P=.03 versus those without), and cardiac death (P<.0001 versus survivors) during the first year after AMI. Multivariate analysis confirmed that an elevation of the peak CRP level > or = 20 mg/dL was an independent predictor of cardiac rupture (relative risk, 4.72; P=.004), left ventricular aneurysmal formation (relative risk, 2.11; P=.03), and 1-year cardiac death (relative risk, 3.44; P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac rupture, left ventricular aneurysmal formation, and 1-year cardiac death were associated with an elevation of serum CRP early after AMI, suggesting that elevation of CRP levels after AMI may predict infarct expansion.

Adult↗