Biomedical subjects

T Hara

Publications and source records attributed to T Hara.

At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Elevated nerve growth factor levels in cerebrospinal fluid associated with progressive cortical atrophy.

Using a two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we measured nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 40 patients with or without brain atrophy due to various neurologic disorders. White matter and cortical atrophies were assessed by frontal horn index (FHI) and subarachnoid space area/inner skull space area (SSA/ISSA) ratio, respectively. CT findings of 40 patients were classified into 4 grades: normal (< mean + 2SD), grade I (mean + 2SD < or = or < mean + 4SD), grade II (mean + 4SD < or = < mean + 8SD), and grade III (mean + 8SD < or =). NGF levels in CSF were significantly elevated in 3 of 6 patients with grade III cortical atrophy and normal in 2 with grade II atrophy, 4 with grade I atrophy and 28 without atrophy. Cortical atrophy was progressive in the 3 with NGF elevation in CSF. With respect to white matter atrophy, NGF elevation was observed in none of 3 with grade III white matter atrophy, two of 4 with grade II atrophy, none of 3 with grade I atrophy and one of 30 without atrophy. The symptoms of the two of three with NGF elevation were progressive at the time of obtaining the CSF samples, while those of other patients without NGF elevation were non-progressive. The present study suggests that NGF elevation in CSF may reflect extensive cortical degenerative change.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Involvement of the nervous system in the control of glucose uptake in contracting hindlimb muscle in the rat.

To probe into the possibility of neural control of glucose uptake in contracting peripheral skeletal muscle, rats were divided into two groups: one group is the "normal" (N) group in which the nervous system is intact, and the other is the "denervation" (D) group in which all nerves innervating the hindlimb were cut. The immediate changes in blood glucose (BG) and plasma insulin (PI) levels were measured at the commencement and termination of hindlimb muscle contraction induced with electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve (distal part in D group). BG in N group temporarily but significantly decreased (p < 0.01) immediately after starting the stimulation, while BG in D group remained unchanged. And the difference between the changes in BG observed in 2 groups was significant (p < 0.03). PI did not change in either group during the sample period. On the other hand, PI temporarily but significantly decreased (p < 0.03) immediately after terminating the stimulation in both groups. The results suggest that the nervous system has some role in controlling glucose uptake in contracting peripheral muscle, at least in the early stage of contraction, that some feedback loop, including the central nervous system, is considered essential for the control, and that some local mechanism promotes an increase in insulin binding to receptors on muscle cells immediately after terminating the contraction.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Automated detection of clustered microcalcifications on mammograms: CAD system application to MIAS database.

To investigate the detection performance of our automated detection scheme for clustered microcalcifications on mammograms, we applied our computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system to the database of the Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) in the UK. Forty-three mammograms from this database were used in this study. In our scheme, the breast regions were firstly extracted by determining the skinline. Histograms of the original images were used to extract the high-density area within the breast region as the segmentation from the fatty area around the skinline. Then the contrast correction technique was employed. Gradient vectors of the image density were calculated on the contrast corrected images. To extract the specific features of the pattern of the microcalcifications, triple-ring filter analysis was employed. A variable-ring filter was used for more accurate detection after the triple-ring filter. The features of the detected candidate areas were then characterized by feature analysis. The areas which satisfied the characteristics and specific terms were classified and displayed as clusters. As a result, the sensitivity was 95.8% with the false-positive rate at 1.8 clusters per image. This demonstrates that the automated detection of clustered microcalcifications in our CAD system is reliable as an aid to radiologists.

Automation↗

PubMed1997

Binding mode of CA074, a specific irreversible inhibitor, to bovine cathepsin B as determined by X-ray crystal analysis of the complex.

The binding mode of CA074 [N-(L-3-trans-propylcarbamoyl-oxirane-2-carbonyl)-L-isoleucyl-L-pr oline], a specific irreversible inhibitor, to bovine spleen cathepsin B was elucidated by X-ray crystal structure analysis of the complex at 2.2 A resolution (conventional R=0.185). Inconsistently with our model used for the development of CA074, the L-isoleucyl-L-proline and propylcarbamoyl moieties are located at the S' and S subsites, respectively. This unexpected binding is primarily due to (i) similar extended chain conformations (due to the same S configurations) at the oxirane C2 and C3 atoms of CA074 and (ii) the just fit formation of double hydrogen bonds between the carboxyl oxygens of L-proline and the imidazole nitrogens of His-110 and His-111 residues (these residues are missing in papain, the tertiary structure of which was used for the design of CA074). The oxirane C3 atom possessing the P' substituent is covalently bound to the Cys-29 Sgamma atom (C3-Sgamma=1.79 A) and the S configuration is maintained. The present result will provide useful information for characterizing the substrate-specificity of cathepsin B.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Nucleotide sequence divergence in the A+T-rich region of mitochondrial DNA in Drosophila simulans and Drosophila mauritiana.

We have determined the nucleotide sequences of two regions within the A+T-rich region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the siIII type of Drosophila simulans and the maI type of D. mauritiana. The sequences of the two regions in siIII and maI are almost identical. The sequences include elements corresponding to the type I and type II repeats elements and the T-stretches as reported in D. melanogaster; an approximately 340-bp region (A region) adjacent to the tRNA(Ile) gene includes a part of the type II repeat element, and an approximately 440-bp region (B region) includes a central portion of the A+T-rich region between the type I and type II repeat arrays. Each sequence of the two species was compared with those of D. melanogaster and D. yakuba. The sequences of the A region are relatively well conserved among the four species. The alignment of the two sequences of the B region with those of D. melanogaster and D. yakuba requires numerous insertions/deletions. For both regions, nucleotide differences between D. simulans or D. mauritiana and D. melanogaster are similar to those between the two and D. yakuba. The tendency is obvious in a subregion within the type II repeat element in the A region. These findings suggest that the rate of nucleotide substitution in the subregion is accelerated in the lineage leading to D. melanogaster. Loss of functional constraint in the stem-loop-forming sequence is proposed for this acceleration.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Synchronous and metachronous multicentric squamous cell carcinomas in the upper aerodigestive tract.

A rare case is presented of a 57-year-old Japanese male with synchronous and metachronous multicentric squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) in the upper aerodigestive tract. During a 9-year-period from the appearance of first primary SCC to autopsy, 14 foci of primary SCC and one severe dysplasia developed in succession in the thoracic esophagus, oral floor, soft palate, uvula, lingual radix, piriform recess, hypopharynx, cervical esophagus, trachea and lingual body. The patient died of severe bronchopneumonia due to Gram-negative bacterial infection that developed as a result of recurrent nerve paralysis. Human papilloma virus and Epstein-Barr virus, which are risk factors, were not detected by immunohistochemistry or by the polymerase chain reaction method. Genetic analysis revealed the absence of point mutations in K-ras codon 12. Heavy consumption of alcohol and excessive smoking may have been responsible for the multicentric carcinogenesis. This is the first case report in the literature of the development of so many primary SCC lesions in the upper aerodigestive tract during such a short period.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

PubMed1997

Preschool sarcoidosis mimicking juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: the significance of gallium scintigraphy and skin biopsy in the differential diagnosis.

Preschool sarcoidosis occurring in children less than 6 years old is rare and characterized by the triad of skin, joint and eye manifestations without any pulmonary lesion. Because of similar clinical manifestations, the diagnosis of preschool sarcoidosis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is confusing. A girl with preschool sarcoidosis, initially diagnosed and treated as having JRA, is reported here. Ophthalmologic examinations revealed posterior involvement of the eye. A gallium scintigram of the head showed panda appearance. Biopsy of the cutaneous lesion demonstrated non-caseating granuloma. Gallium scanning may be an important clue to correct diagnosis.

Arthritis, Juvenile↗

PubMed1997

A novel neurological disorder with progressive CNS calcification, deafness, renal tubular acidosis, and microcytic anemia.

Progressive calcification of the brain and the spinal cord at early infantile onset was observed in two siblings. They showed growth failure, psychomotor deterioration, deafness, vestibular dysfunction, microcytic hypochromic anemia, abnormal ratios of lymphocyte subpopulations, and slightly decreased bicarbonate on blood gas analysis. Distal renal tubular acidosis was demonstrated in one of them. Carbonic anhydrase II activity was normal. This new hereditary disease might have a defect in a molecule that is present in brain, spinal cord, kidney and hematocytes and is involved in H+/HCO3- production or transport.

Acidosis, Renal Tubular↗

PubMed1997

IgA and IgG2 deficiency associated with zonisamide therapy: a case report.

PURPOSE: To report a previously undescribed adverse effect, IgA/IgG subclass deficiency associated with zonisamide (ZNS) therapy. METHODS: Serum IgA and IgG subclass levels were determined by the turbidimetric immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively, in a 2-year-old boy with postmeningitis sequelae who was treated by ZNS. RESULTS: Four months after initiation of ZNS, combined deficiency of IgA and IgG2 was noted. After cessation of ZNS, serum IgA level was promptly increased. IgG2 level was gradually increased, but remained subnormal after 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: This case documents, for the first time, the action of ZNS on IgG immune system as well as IgA system. If patients with ZNS therapy showed IgA deficiency and recurrent infections, it is preferable to check serum IgG subclass concentrations as well.

Anticonvulsants↗

PubMed1997

[A case of the tuberculous abscess in the abdominal wall].

A case of the tuberculous abscess in the abdominal wall is reported. A 84-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with evaluation of soft tumor at the left lower abdomen. She has a mass in the abdominal wall measuring 4 cm in diameter, and abscess in the abdominal wall was detected by ultrasonogram and CT. The confirmed diagnosis of abdominal wall tuberculosis was made by means of bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR method) of the aspirated fluid from a mass. Multiple calcified lesions on the abdominal X-ray were seen, which were thought to past history of tuberculous peritonitis. Antituberculosis therapy of three-drug regimens was not effective. Four month later, resection of the abscess was then performed. Adhesion was demonstrated between greater omentum and peritoneum, therefore the abscess in the abdominal wall was considered to arise and advance directly from the abdominal cavity.

Abdominal Muscles↗

PubMed1997

Hypogammaglobulinaemia in a patient with ring chromosome 21.

An 8 year old boy with ring chromosome 21 who was susceptible to sinorespiratory infections due to hypogammaglobulinaemia is reported. He presented with the characteristic features of monosomy 21 syndrome, such as psychomotor retardation, hypertonia, large saccular ears, prominent nasal bridge, micrognathia, thrombocytopenia, and patent ductus arteriosus. His serum IgG concentration was less than 1.5 g/l at 3 years and 6 months of age after repeated hospitalisations with pneumonia, otitis media, and convulsions. Regular replacement of intravenous gammaglobulin effectively reduced such infectious episodes. A predisposition to infection in patients with ring chromosome 21 may be explained by hypogammaglobulinaemia and merit treatment with gammaglobulin.

Agammaglobulinemia↗

PubMed1997

Intraocular lens durability after a mean of 10.9 years' implantation in humans.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: To clarify whether intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the human eye affects the durability of polymethylmethacrylate over an average period of 10.9 years. METHODS: Shearing stress and extent of damage following neodymium (Nd):YAG laser application to 18 study and 12 control optics were examined. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the study and the control IOLs in shearing stress and extent of damage following Nd:YAG. CONCLUSION: An average 10.9 years' implantation in humans does not affect either the shearing stress or extent of damage following Nd:YAG shots of polymethylmethacrylate.

Humans↗

PubMed1997

Brain tumors: detection with C-11 choline PET.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of positron emission tomography (PET) with carbon-11 choline in brain tumor imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat glioma cell line (C6) was incubated with C-14 choline; the time course of uptake and metabolism was determined in vitro. C-11 choline was injected intravenously in tumor-bearing rats; the time course of distribution in organs was determined. C-11 choline also was injected intravenously in 20 patients (aged 6-86 years) with brain tumors and two volunteers (aged 38 and 58 years); distribution of the tracer in the brain was determined. Regional cerebral blood flow was measured by using oxygen-15 water on the same day. RESULTS: C-14 choline was metabolized to phosphoryl choline in glioma cells. The uptake of C-11 choline by glioblastoma cells was three to four times higher than that in the rat brain. All brain tumors took up more C-11 choline than did normal brain; thus, brain tumors that were not treated, as well as those that were treated with surgery or radiation therapy, were depicted. The tumor-normal brain uptake ratio of C-11 choline in brain tumor did not correlate with the O-15 water regional blood flow in the corresponding area. CONCLUSION: C-11 choline PET can depict brain tumors effectively. This method was clinically useful in patients who had undergone surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Electroretinogram in sucrose-fed diabetic rats treated with an aldose reductase inhibitor or an anticoagulant.

To investigate the role of increased polyol pathway activity and hemodynamic deficits in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats, an animal model of human NIDDM, were given water with or without 30% sucrose and some of them were fed laboratory chow containing 0.03% cilostazol, an anticoagulant, or 0.05% [5-(3-thienyl)tetrazol-1-yl] acetic acid monohydrate (TAT), an aldose reductase inhibitor, for 8 wk. Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats were used as nondiabetic controls. The peak latencies of oscillatory potentials of the electroretinogram in sucrose-fed OLETF rats were significantly prolonged compared with those in OLETF rats without sucrose feeding and LETO rats. There was a marked increase in platelet aggregability and a significant decrease in erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in sucrose-fed OLETF rats. Cilostazol significantly improved these parameters without changes in retinal levels of sorbitol and fructose. TAT, however, ameliorated all of these parameters. These findings confirm that the sucrose-fed OLETF rat is a useful animal model of retinopathy in human NIDDM and suggest that cilostazol improved diabetic retinopathy by modifying vascular factors, not by altering polyol pathway activity.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗

PubMed1997

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus during antidepressant treatment.

We report 3 patients who experienced nonconvulsive status epilepticus following generalized convulsions during antidepressant treatment. All showed prolonged confusion with some psychiatric symptoms, and their electroencephalograms (EEGs) showed either bilateral synchronous multiple spike wave discharges or continuous diffuse sharp and slow waves. When diazepam was administered intravenously to 1 patient, the clinical symptoms and EEG improved markedly.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Nerve growth factor levels in cerebrospinal fluid from patients neurologic disorders.

Nerve growth factor levels were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid from 73 patients with neurologic disorders and non-neurologic acute illnesses by a two-site enzyme immunoassay. Elevated nerve growth factor levels in cerebrospinal fluid were demonstrated in 2 of 7 patients with bacterial meningitis, 7 of 14 patients with viral meningitis or encephalitis, and 1 with multiple sclerosis. Follow-up examinations of the 3 patients (1 with bacterial meningitis, 1 with viral meningitis, and 1 with multiple sclerosis) at convalescent stage showed diminished nerve growth factor levels in cerebrospinal fluid. None of the other patients showed elevation of nerve growth factor levels in cerebrospinal fluid. Nerve growth factor levels in cerebrospinal fluid were not correlated with cell numbers in patients with meningitis or encephalitis. No relationship was observed between nerve growth factor levels and outcome in patients with viral meningitis or encephalitis and bacterial meningitis. Nerve growth factor in cerebrospinal fluid may play a role in neuronal recovery or function as an immunomodulator in children with inflammatory and immune-mediated neurologic disorders.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Medium chain 3-ketoacyl-coenzyme A thiolase deficiency: a new disorder of mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation.

A Japanese male neonate died at 13 d of age after presenting at 2 d of age with vomiting, dehydration, metabolic acidosis, liver dysfunction, and terminal rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuria. Multiple urine organic acid analyses consistently revealed a markedly elevated excretion of lactic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, and saturated and unsaturated C6-C16 dicarboxylic acids, with predominant C12-C16 species. Oxidation of [1-14C]octanoic acid in cultured skin fibroblasts was significantly reduced (0.59 nmol/h/mg of protein; controls, 1.93 +/- 0.65), [1-14C]palmitic acid oxidation was 1.11 nmol/h/mg of protein (controls, 1.63 +/- 0.41). A systematic study of the catalytic activities of nine enzymes of the beta-oxidation cycle using the respective optimal substrate revealed a deficiency of a single enzyme not previously associated with a metabolic disorder, medium chain 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase (patient, 3.9 nmol/min/mg protein; controls (n = 6), 10.2 +/- 2.3). Immunoprecipitation with antibodies raised against medium chain 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase revealed a 60% decrease compared with controls.

Acetyl-CoA C-Acyltransferase↗

PubMed1997

Enhancement by morphine of radiographic contrast media-induced histamine release in rat peritoneal mast cells.

In intravascular application of radiographic contrast media causes hypersensitivity reactions, in which histamine release may play a major role. We examined the interaction between contrast medium and morphine. Among the four nonionic contrast media examined, iopamidol showed the most marked histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro. Although iopamidol and morphine themselves did not induce histamine release at concentrations up to 65 mgI/ml and 3 mM, respectively, their combination resulted in a significant histamine release. These findings suggest that patients with exposure to medicines that induce histamine release may have a higher incidence and severity of hypersensitivity reactions to radiographic contrast media.

Animals↗