Biomedical subjects

T Hara

Publications and source records attributed to T Hara.

At least 559 records · Page 31Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Outbreak of acute glomerulonephritis in children: observed association with the T1 subtype of group A streptococcal infection in northern Kyushu, Japan.

Group A streptococcal infection is associated with the occurrence of acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) and rheumatic fever (RF). A surveillance study in the Saga area, in northern Kyushu, Japan, showed a small variation in the reported number of group A streptococcal infections in the period 1988-94. However, of the AGN cases reported in this period, more than half were observed in 1992. In order to examine whether some change had occurred in the serotype distribution of Streptococcus pyogenes during the period, patients in the Saga area diagnosed as having group A streptococcal infection and patients with AGN or RF were analyzed. Serological T-typing of S. pyogenes was carried out for patients with group A streptococcal infections, and the association between the occurrence of AGN or RF and the distribution of each different T subtype was analyzed. M-typing of S. pyogenes was also carried out and the correlation between T and M types was examined. From 1988 to 1994, the annual number of patients with group A streptococcal infections in the Saga area showed a small variation, range 65-100 patients/year. Of the 42 patients with AGN and three with RF observed in this period, 27 with AGN (64%) and one with RF (33.3%) were detected in 1992. Only the T1 subtype increased in 1992; the other T subtypes showed little variation in incidence. The number of patients with the T1 subtype was significantly correlated with the occurrence of AGN by regression analysis (P < 0.01). Of the 170 subjects tested for both T and M subtypes, 44 of the 45 T1-typed subjects had the M1 protein. Our epidemiological study suggested that the T1 subtype of streptococcal infection was associated with an outbreak of AGN in 1992 in the Saga area.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1996

Bladder cancer producing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor: a case report.

A rare case of bladder cancer producing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is reported. A 63-year-old man with a progressive, grade 3 transitional cell bladder carcinoma, showed marked leukocytosis (maximum 181,800/mm3) and an elevated serum G-CSF to 131.7 pg/mL. After radical cystectomy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the tumor recurred locally. Immunohistochemical examination with monoclonal antibody specific for G-CSF revealed positive staining in the local recurrent tumor. To our knowledge, there have been only seven cases reported of bladder cancer producing G-CSF.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗

PubMed1996

Reduction of oxalate content of foods by the oxalate degrading bacterium, Eubacterium lentum WYH-1.

BACKGROUND: Urinary oxalate may contribute far more than urinary calcium to the pathogenesis of urinary calculi. Urinary oxalate may be reduced by restricting the intake of foods high in oxalate. The oxalate content foods might be reduced by oxalate-degrading bacteria. The purpose of this experiment was to reduce the oxalate content of foods with an oxalate-degrading bacterium which was isolated from the feces of Japanese male. METHODS: An artificial intestinal juice was prepared by modifying Rogosa medium. An infusion of black tea was prepared from a commercial tea bag. The oxalate-degrading bacteria used were Eubacterium lentum WYH-1 which were have isolated. To 5 ml of the above oxalate-containing artificial intestinal juice and infusion of black tea, 0.5 ml of the bacterial culture was added and incubated anaerobically at 37 degrees C. Oxalic acid in the supernatant of the culture medium was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: In 24 hours, 1 x 10(6) cells/ml of Eubacterium lentum WYH-1 decomposed 100% of 1 mg/ml oxalate in the artificial intestinal juice. The oxalate in the black tea infusion (1 mg/mL) was also decomposed completely within 48 hours by 1 x 10(7) cells/mL of bacteria. CONCLUSION: Eubacterium lentum WYH-1 was able to efficiently decompose the oxalate in foods.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

PubMed1996

Different effects of carboxy-terminal deletion in the adrenodoxin molecule on cytochrome c and acetylated cytochrome c reductions.

In immunoblotting analysis using a rabbit antibody to bovine adrenodoxin, the total proteins of the bovine adrenal cortex gave two bands, suggesting the presence of two forms of adrenodoxin in vivo: full-length and carboxy-terminal deleted adrenodoxins. To examine the effect of the carboxy-terminal deletion of adrenodoxin on its activity, cDNAs for Arg115stop mutant adrenodoxin and for Asp113stop mutant adrenodoxin were constructed. The wild type [Ad(2-128)] and carboxy-terminal deleted [Ad(2-114) and Ad(2-112)] recombinant adrenodoxins expressed in Escherichia coli were purified to give a single band on SDS-PAGE. They showed an A414/A276 value of 0.92. In an NADPH-cytochrome c reduction assay, the Km values for cytochrome c in the reconstituted system with AD(2-128), Ad(2-114) and Ad(2-112) were 39, 235 and 618 mM, respectively. The Vmax values were 638, 700 and 898 mol/min/mol flavin, respectively. In an NADPH-acetylated cytochrome c reduction assay, the maximum activity of Ad(2-128) was obtained at 50 mM NaCl, while the maximum activities of Ad(2-114) and Ad(2-112) were obtained at 100 mM NaCl; the latter values were 4-times higher than that of Ad(2-128). In the presence of 100 mM NaCl, the Km values for acetylated cytochrome c in the system reconstituted with Ad(2-128), Ad(2-114) and Ad(2-112) were 220, 33 and 22 microM, respectively. The Vmax values were 352, 305 and 382 mol/min/mol flavin, respectively. These results indicate that the effects of the carboxy-terminal deletion of adrenodoxin on NADPH-cytochrome c and acetylated cytochrome c reductions are different; the carboxy-terminal region (residues 113-128) of adrenodoxin largely contributes to the binding with cytochrome c but disturbs the binding with acetylated cytochrome c.

Acetylation↗

PubMed1996

Free radicals from 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes in Fe2+/ascorbic acid solution.

The generation of free radicals during the lipid peroxidation of liposomes composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoylphosphatidylcholine (PAPC-liposome) in Fe2+/ascorbic acid (AsA) solution was studied by the ESR spin trapping technique. A carbon-centered radical adduct was observed using alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butyl-nitorone (4-POBN) and 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO), but no oxygen-centered radicals such as .OH, LO., and LOO. were observed. The lipid peroxidation evaluated as 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was inhibited by the addition of 4-POBN. The intensity of this inhibitory effect was dependent on the time when 4-POBN was added to the mixture of PAPC-liposomes and Fe2+/AsA solution, and no inhibitory effect could be observed after 4 min. The signal intensity of the carbon-centered radical adduct was dependent on the lipid concentration of PAPC-liposomes. These results suggest that the alkyl radicals generated from PAPC-liposome peroxidation induced by Fe2+/AsA were trapped by DMPO or 4-POBN at an earlier stage of lipid peroxidation.

Ascorbic Acid↗

PubMed1996

Expression of sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) in human adrenocortical tissue.

Sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) has been implicated in adrenal steroidogenesis by in vitro studies. In order to clarify the clinical significance of SCP2 in human steroidogenesis, we investigated the expression of SCP2 mRNA in various types of adrenocortical tissue and one testis and examined the correlation between the amounts of SCP2 and other values such as the free cholesterol content and the cholesterol side-chain cleavage (SCC) activity in the tissue mitochondria. The types of adrenocortical tissue examined included adrenocortical carcinomas (N = 3), adrenocortical adenomas from patients with Conn's syndrome (N = 3) and from patients with Cushing's syndrome (N = 3), non-functioning adrenocortical adenomas (N = 2) and normal adrenal glands (N = 2). Northern blot hybridization predominantly revealed a 1.8-kb SCP2 mRNA in all tissue specimens examined. The mRNA concentrations of SCP2 in two out of three adrenocortical carcinomas were relatively lower than those in other types of tissue. No other special tendency was observed regarding the mRNA expression levels in various tissue specimens. The mRNA concentrations of SCP2 correlated significantly with mitochondrial contents of free cholesterol (r = 0.67, p < 0.01), but was not correlated with the SCC activities in mitochondria measured by an in vitro enzyme assay. The mitochondrial SCC activities, however, were correlated significantly with the protein levels of mitochondrial P-450 scc determined by a Western blot analysis (r = 0.79, p < 0.01). The significant positive correlation between mRNA concentrations of SCP2 and the mitochondrial content of free cholesterol suggests that the central role of SCP2 in human steroidogenic tissues may be in part a translocation of cytoplasmic free cholesterol to the mitochondria, as demonstrated previously by in vitro studies.

Actins↗

PubMed1996

A possible mechanism of increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activity in rats given granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) at a dose of 1 to 300 micrograms/kg/day was administered intravenously to rats daily for 13 weeks. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased dose-dependently with leukocytosis. Most of the increased leukocytes were segmented neutrophils, and neutrophil alkaline phosphatase (NAP) scores were elevated markedly. Serum ALP activity correlated very well with the segmented neutrophil counts, and the coefficient of correlation was more than 0.97 in both sexes. Pathological examinations revealed splenomegaly and a marked increase in neutrophils in the red pulp of the spleen. In the spleen, phagocytosis of neutrophils by macrophages was observed. These data indicate that the increased ALP was of neutrophil origin. Serum ALP activity may be increased by the direct release of ALP from the high number of neutrophils into the blood, or by the leakage of ALP into the blood mainly from the spleen where many neutrophils are pooled and destroyed by the macrophage system.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed1996

Expression of a bifunctional chimeric protein A-Vargula hilgendorfii luciferase in mammalian cells.

We have designed and constructed a novel chimeric protein that consisted of a single domain of protein A and luciferase derived from sea-firefly Vargula hilgendorfii with the goal of obtaining a heterofunctional immunological tool. The structural gene of luciferase was fused to the 3' terminus of the D domain gene of protein A with/without a short linker of five amino acids. The resulting constructs under the transcriptional regulation of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) promoter, were expressed transiently in simian COS-1 and stably in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The properties of the resultant chimeric protein were characterized. The results indicated that the dual properties of the chimeric protein could be retained only after the introduction of a linker of (Gly)4 Ser between the two conjugated moieties. Moreover, the chimeric protein was found to retain at least 50% of the specific activity as compared with the non-fused luciferase. The future prospect of the usage of this chimeric protein in the field of diagnostics was further evaluated by performing bioluminescent immunoassays.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Malignant schwannoma metastasizing to the dura mater--case report.

A 58-year-old female, with a previous history of radical resection of malignant schwannoma arising in the maxillary sinus, presented with a metastasis to the dura mater following lung metastases 15 years after the initial diagnosis. A large mass at the left temporal region was totally removed immediately after an intratumoral hemorrhage. She subsequently died of massive hemoptysis. Although the prognosis is poor for patients with malignant schwannoma, aggressive treatment including radical surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy is recommended.

Brain Neoplasms↗

PubMed1996

Effects of beraprost sodium and insulin on the electroretinogram, nerve conduction, and nerve blood flow in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

The effect of a prostacyclin analog, beraprost sodium, on the electroretinogram, motor nerve conduction velocity, and nerve blood flow was determined in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and was compared with the effect of insulin. Beraprost sodium (0.01 mg x kg-1 x day-1 for 8 weeks) significantly shortened the peak latency of the electroretinogram b-wave, increased tail nerve conduction velocity, and increased sciatic nerve blood flow in diabetic rats (P < 0.0003, 0.0001, and 0.0001 vs. untreated diabetic rats, respectively). This was accompanied by a significant increase in the 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha content of the thoracic aorta and a marked increase in the cAMP content of the sciatic nerve. Beraprost sodium had no effect on the sorbitol and fructose contents of the sciatic nerve and retina, but insulin (8-10 U/day) significantly reduced both parameters. These findings suggest that beraprost sodium may be useful for prevention of vascular and neural dysfunction in the retina and peripheral nerve.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

PubMed1996

An importance of carbohydrate ingestion for the expression of the effect of alpha-glucosidase inhibitor in NIDDM.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the usefulness of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in glycemic control of patients with NIDDM. The involvement of carbohydrate ingestion in manifestation of the effects of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors was also investigated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 41 patients hospitalized with NIDDM (22 patients receiving sulfonylurea and 19 receiving insulin therapy) were given alpha-glucosidase inhibitors during the period when their blood glucose levels were well controlled. They were followed for 3 weeks as inpatients and for an additional 6 months as outpatients. They were retrospectively divided into two groups according to the percentage of carbohydrates in all sources of calories during outpatient management: the < 50% group and the > 50% group. Between these two groups, we compared circadian variation in blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and urine C-peptide. RESULTS: Treatment with alpha-glucosidase inhibitors during the hospital stay markedly improved circadian variation in blood glucose levels and HbA1c and decreased urine C-peptide in both groups. While HbA1c returned to its pretreatment level at 6 months after the treatment in the < 50% group, HbA1c had further improved in the > 50% group at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: alpha-Glucosidase inhibitors are useful for glycemic control in patients with NIDDM and the percentage of carbohydrate in all calorie sources is an important factor for the expression of their effects.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed1996

Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine on motor nerve conduction, autonomic cardiac function, and nerve blood flow in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes: comparison with an aldose reductase inhibitor.

The effects of propionyl-L-carnitine (PCAL) on caudal motor nerve conduction velocity, the coefficient of variation of the R-R interval on the electrocardiogram, and sciatic nerve blood flow were compared with those of [5-(3-thienyl)tetrazol-1-yl] acetic acid monohydrate, an aldose reductase inhibitor, in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Diabetic control rats showed significantly delayed nerve conduction (P < .05), decreased R-R variability (P < .05) and reduced sciatic nerve blood flow (P < .05). Oral administration of PCAL (0.5 g/kg/day) and [5-(3-thienyl)tetrazol-1-yl] acetic acid monohydrate (0.05% in the diet: 60 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks significantly improved both nerve conduction (P < .05) and R-R variability (P < .05) in diabetic rats, along with the normalization of sciatic nerve blood flow. PCAL treatment increased the nerve tissue levels of carnitine and myo-inositol and reduced the serum triglyceride level in diabetic rats. Our results suggests that PCAL could have therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Aldehyde Reductase↗

PubMed1996

[Epilepsy].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Employment↗

PubMed1996

[A case of giant uterine leiomyoma with chromosomal aberration].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Solubility of hydroxyapatite/mica composites.

The solubility of some inorganic materials was studied. It was found that Ca dissolution was high in calcium phosphates with Ca/P ratios 1.67-2.0. Dissolution of P was moderate compared with dissolution of Ca. The composites, HA content 70 wt-%, and HA showed to be corrosion resistant. Dissolution of alumina in the mineral muscovite, used as a filler material, was found to be neglectable and dependent on the density of the composite.

Aluminum Oxide↗

PubMed1996

[Transformation of aplastic anemia to acute myeloid leukemia with myelofibrosis following treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and erythropoietin].

A 67-year-old female was admitted with fatigue. Peripheral blood examination showed severe pancytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy revealed hypoplastic marrow. She was diagnosed as having aplastic anemia. Steroid pulse therapy was not effective. After treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), blasts which were positive for CD13, CD33, CD34 and HLA-DR and negative for myeloperoxidase appeared in the peripheral blood. At this time, bone marrow biopsy revealed myelofibrosis with increased blasts. Chromosome analysis showed 46XX, add (1) (p36), add (1) (q44), -2, -5, del (7) (q11), -12, +3mar. She died of pneumonia despite chemotherapy with etoposide. Administration of EPO and G-CSF may have led to the rapid development of leukemia and myelofibrosis.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[Inverted papilloma of the posterior urethra: a case report].

A case of inverted papilloma of the posterior urethra is reported. A 59-year-old male was admitted with the chief complaint of difficulty in urination. Cystourethroscopy revealed a polypoid tumor with a smooth surface on the stalk arising from the prostatic urethra, concomitant with prostatic hypertrophy. Transurethral resection of the tumor and the prostate was performed. No evidence of recurrence has been noted in the 9 months after surgery. This is the 26 th case of inverted papilloma of the posterior urethra reported in Japan.

Humans↗

PubMed1996

Nerve grafting in brachial plexus injuries. Results of free grafts in 90 patients.

We have assessed the efficacy of free nerve grafts in 90 cases of brachial plexus injury. Relatively good recovery of the elbow flexor and extensor muscles and of those of the shoulder girdle was found but recovery of the flexors and extensors of the forearm and of the intrinsic muscles of the hand was extremely poor. Poor results were found when spinal nerve roots seemed normal to the touch and appeared intact but had abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials or myelography. Recovery of the deltoid and infraspinatus muscles was better when injury had occurred to the circumflex and suprascapular nerves rather than to the plexus itself, perhaps because these nerves were explored in their entirety to determine the presence of multiple lesions. It is important to visualise the entire nerve thoroughly to assess the overall condition. Thorough exploration of the plexus and the use of intraoperative recording of somatosensory evoked potentials are essential.

Adolescent↗