[Eosinophilic pneumonia diagnosed 4 years after the first symptoms by the appearance of radiographic pulmonary infiltrate].
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Cough↗
Biomedical subjects
T Kaneko
Publications and source records attributed to T Kaneko.
[Preliminary experience of wireless teleradiology system using Personal Handyphone System].
We investigated the potential of the wireless teleradiology system, using a Personal Handyphone System(PHS) and hand-held personal computer. To provide and interpret CT images, an internet web system was used. It took 5.5 seconds to transmit a single CT image of 28 KB. Therefore, about 2 minutes was required to brawse a series of brain examinations(20 CT images). Although transmission speed needs to be increased, our system makes it possible to perform imaging diagnosis anywhere and is especially useful in emergency situations.
Humans↗
[Strategy for post coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with bypass graft stenosis: comparison of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for the native coronary artery, internal mammary artery and saphenous vein graft].
OBJECTIVES: The strategy for post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was investigated in patients with graft stenosis. METHODS: The study included 123 post-CABG patients with graft stenosis. The patients were divided into three groups according to target vessels; saphenous vein graft (SVG; n = 72), internal mammary artery (IMA; n = 21) and native coronary artery (n = 30). Furthermore, SVG lesions were divided into proximal anastomosis (n = 23), body (n = 40) and distal anastomosis (n = 9). The procedural success rate and late patency rate were compared between the three groups. Furthermore, the relationships between pre percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) percentage diameter stenosis, procedural success rate and late patency rate were evaluated. RESULTS: Procedural success rate was similar in the three groups, but late patency rate was higher in the IMA group. Procedural success rate and late patency rate were significantly lower in proximal anastomoses compared to other sites of SVG stenoses, IMA group and native coronary artery group (p < 0.05). Totally occluded native coronary artery lesions had a high procedural success rate compared with occluded IMA and SVG lesions, but the late patency rate was not higher. Procedural success rate showed no significant difference for 75-99% stenotic lesions, but the late patency rate was significantly higher in the IMA group (p < 0.05). Patients in the stenting group had a greater late patency rate compared with the balloon angioplasty group. There was no significant difference in late patency rate between the IMA group and SVG group. CONCLUSIONS: Late patency rate of the IMA is higher than that of the native coronary artery. SVG with proximal anastomosis and severe stenosis shows a significantly lower late patency rate than the native coronary artery. Therefore, PTCA should be considered for the native coronary artery in the absence of chronic total occlusion.
Aged↗
[Propofol anesthesia combined with thoracic epidural anesthesia for thymectomy for myasthenia gravis--a report of eleven cases].
We report 11 cases of thymectomy for myasthenia gravis using propofol and thoracic epidural anesthesia. Considering the influence of nitrous oxide to environment and muscular relaxation of volatile anesthetics, we selected this anesthetic method. By proper sedation with propofol and sufficient analgesia with epidural anesthesia, the hemodynamics during operation was stable and the emergence was rapid. The patients were extubated early after operation except in one case in which oxygenation was not good because of sputum. We conclude that our anesthetic method is useful. Moreover, we applied Fuchu hospital scoring system for prediction of the need of postoperative mechanical ventilation in patients with myasthenia gravis to the present 11 cases. These predictions corresponded well with the results. Therefore Fuchu hospital scoring system is useful for managing these patients by our anesthetic method.
Adult↗
[Formation of asymmetric (correction of asymmetic) bioorganics by synchrotron radiation].
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Amino Acids↗
Complete structure of the chloroplast genome of a legume, Lotus japonicus.
The nucleotide sequence of the entire chloroplast genome (150,519 bp) of a legume, Lotus japonicus, has been determined. The circular double-stranded DNA contains a pair of inverted repeats of 25,156 bp which are separated by a small and a large single copy region of 18,271 bp and 81,936 bp, respectively. A total of 84 predicted protein-coding genes including 7 genes duplicated in the inverted repeat regions, 4 ribosomal RNA genes and 37 tRNA genes (30 gene species) representing 20 amino acids species were assigned on the genome based on similarity to genes previously identified in other chloroplasts. All the predicted genes were conserved among dicot plants except that rpl22, a gene encoding chloroplast ribosomal protein CL22, was missing in L. japonicus. Inversion of a 51-kb segment spanning rbcL to rpsl6 (positions 5161-56,176) in the large single copy region was observed in the chloroplast genome of L. japonicus. The sequence data and gene information are available on our World Wide Web database at http://www.kazusa.or.jp/en/plant/database.html.
Amino Acids↗
Complete genome structure of the nitrogen-fixing symbiotic bacterium Mesorhizobium loti.
The complete nucleotide sequence of the genome of a symbiotic bacterium Mesorhizobium loti strain MAFF303099 was determined. The genome of M. loti consisted of a single chromosome (7,036,071 bp) and two plasmids, designated as pMLa (351,911 bp) and pMLb (208, 315 bp). The chromosome comprises 6752 potential protein-coding genes, two sets of rRNA genes and 50 tRNA genes representing 47 tRNA species. Fifty-four percent of the potential protein genes showed sequence similarity to genes of known function, 21% to hypothetical genes, and the remaining 25% had no apparent similarity to reported genes. A 611-kb DNA segment, a highly probable candidate of a symbiotic island, was identified, and 30 genes for nitrogen fixation and 24 genes for nodulation were assigned in this region. Codon usage analysis suggested that the symbiotic island as well as the plasmids originated and were transmitted from other genetic systems. The genomes of two plasmids, pMLa and pMLb, contained 320 and 209 potential protein-coding genes, respectively, for a variety of biological functions. These include genes for the ABC-transporter system, phosphate assimilation, two-component system, DNA replication and conjugation, but only one gene for nodulation was identified.
ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
Complete genome structure of the nitrogen-fixing symbiotic bacterium Mesorhizobium loti (supplement).
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Base Sequence↗
Intracellular labeling study of neurons in the superficial part of the magnocellular layer of the medullary dorsal horn of the rat.
Morphology and electrical membrane properties of neurons in the superficial part of the magnocellular layer of the rat medullary dorsal horn (MDH: caudal subnucleus of the spinal trigeminal nucleus) were examined by using horizontal slice preparations. Intracellular recording and biocytin-injection combined with histochemical and immunohistochemical staining were done. Twenty-four neurons were examined successfully and classified into projection neurons (PNs) and intrinsic neurons (INs). The PNs were further divided into type I PNs (I-PNs) and type II PNs (II-PNs). The I-PNs sent axons to the medullary reticular formation; the II-PNs sent axons to the interpolar subnucleus of the spinal trigeminal nucleus but had no axons extending to the medullary reticular formation. The INs that sent no axons to the brain regions outside the MDH were also divided into small INs with spiny dendrites (INSSs) and large INs with aspiny dendrites (INLAs). The dendritic fields of the PNs extended to laminae I and II of the MDH and occasionally further to the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve, whereas those of the INs were confined within the magnocellular layer of the MDH. The axonal branches of each IN formed a dense axonal mesh around the cell body of the parent neuron. Although the main bodies of the axonal fields of the INs were located in the magnocellular layer, some axonal branches extended to laminae I and II of the MDH. Immunoreactivity for NK1 receptor (substance P receptor) was found in approximately half of the PNs but not in the INs. Although no strong correlation was found between morphology and electrical membrane properties, there were some differences in electrical properties among the morphologically classified neuron groups, e.g., hyperpolarizing sag was observed in some PNs but not in the Ins; inward rectification was observed in some of the INSSs and INLAs but not in the PNs; the slow ramp depolarization and the slow afterdepolarization were observed in all INSSs examined but not in the PNs or INLAs.
Animals↗
Sequence and analysis of chromosome 5 of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana.
The genome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana has been sequenced by an international collaboration, The Arabidopsis Genome Initiative. Here we report the complete sequence of chromosome 5. This chromosome is 26 megabases long; it is the second largest Arabidopsis chromosome and represents 21% of the sequenced regions of the genome. The sequence of chromosomes 2 and 4 have been reported previously and that of chromosomes 1 and 3, together with an analysis of the complete genome sequence, are reported in this issue. Analysis of the sequence of chromosome 5 yields further insights into centromere structure and the sequence determinants of heterochromatin condensation. The 5,874 genes encoded on chromosome 5 reveal several new functions in plants, and the patterns of gene organization provide insights into the mechanisms and extent of genome evolution in plants.
Animals↗
Cellular localization of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (beta-trace) in the central nervous system of the adult rat.
We applied high-resolution laser-scanning microscopy, electron microscopy, and non-radioactive in situ hybridization histochemistry to determine the cellular and intracellular localization of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase, the major brain-derived protein component of cerebrospinal fluid, and its mRNA in leptomeninges, choroid plexus, and parenchyma of the adult rat brain. Both immunoreactivity and mRNA for prostaglandin D synthase were located in arachnoid barrier cells, arachnoid trabecular cells, and arachnoid pia mater cells. Furthermore, meningeal macrophages and perivascular microglial cells, identified by use of ED2 antibody, were immunopositive for prostaglandin D synthase. In the arachnoid trabecular cells, the immunoreactivity for prostaglandin D synthase was located in the nuclear envelope, Golgi apparatus, and secretory vesicles, indicating the active production and secretion of prostaglandin D synthase. In the meningeal macrophages, prostaglandin D synthase was not found around the nucleus but in lysosomes in the cytoplasm, pointing to an uptake of the protein from the cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, the existence of meningeal cyclooxygenase (COX) -1 and COX-2 was investigated by Western blot, Northern blot, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the colocalization of COX-2 and prostaglandin D synthase was demonstrated in virtually all cells of the leptomeninges, choroid plexus epithelial cells, and perivascular microglial cells, suggesting that these cells synthesize prostaglandin D(2) actively. Alternatively, oligodendrocytes showed prostaglandin D synthase immunoreactivity without detectable COX-2. The localization of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase in meningeal cells and its colocalization with COX-2 provide evidence for its function as a prostaglandin D(2)-producing enzyme.
Animals↗
Dynamical quark effects on light quark masses
Light quark masses are calculated in lattice QCD with two degenerate flavors of dynamical quarks. The calculations are made with improved actions with lattice spacing a = 0.22-0.11 fm. In the continuum limit we find m(M&Smacr;)(ud)(2 GeV) = 3.44(+0.14)(-0.22) MeV using the pi and rho meson masses as physical input, and m(M&Smacr;)(s)(2 GeV) = 88(+4)(-6) MeV or 90(+5)(-11) MeV with the K or straight phi meson mass as additional input. The quoted errors represent statistical and systematic combined, the latter including those from continuum and chiral extrapolations, and from renormalization factors. Compared to quenched results, two flavors of dynamical quarks reduce quark masses by about 25%.
Journal Article↗
Third group of neostriatofugal neurons: neurokinin B-producing neurons that send axons predominantly to the substantia innominata.
Neostriatal neurons that produce neurokinin B were investigated immunocytochemically in the rat brain with an antibody against the C-terminal portion of the precursor prepropeptide of neurokinin B, preprotachykinin B (PPTB). PPTB-immunoreactive neurons were scattered throughout the neostriatum and constituted 5.1% of neostriatal neurons. They were immunopositive for projection neuron markers, such as precursor peptides of substance P, enkephalins, and dynorphins, but negative for intrinsic neuron markers, suggesting that PPTB was expressed in neostriatal projection neurons. However, PPTB-immunoreactive neurons were immunonegative for dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein, which is known to be produced by striatopallidal and striatonigral neurons. Furthermore, almost no PPTB-immunoreactive axon terminals were observed in the substantia nigra or globus pallidus. The authors then made large kainic acid lesions in the neostriatum to reveal the target areas of PPTB-producing neurons and observed a decrease in PPTB-immunoreactive fibers in the sublenticular portion of the substantia innominata and, to much lesser extent, in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and central nucleus of the amygdala. After injection of wheat germ agglutinin into the substantia innominata, PPTB immunoreactivity was detected in many retrogradely labeled neostriatal neurons. In contrast, no PPTB immunoreactivity was observed in striatonigral or striatopallidal neurons after injection of retrograde tracers into the substantia nigra or globus pallidus. Thus, neurokinin B-producing neostriatal neurons were considered to send projection fibers predominantly to the substantia innominata. Furthermore, PPTB-immunoreactive axonal swellings were closely apposed to neurokinin B receptor-immunoreactive dendrites in the substantia innominata. Overall, the present results indicate that the rat brain possesses a chemically and hodologically unique neostriatofugal pathway in addition to the direct and indirect pathways.
Animals↗
Inflammatory versus proliferative processes in epidermis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha induces K6b keratin synthesis through a transcriptional complex containing NFkappa B and C/EBPbeta.
Epidermal keratinocytes respond to injury by becoming activated, i.e. hyperproliferative, migratory, and proinflammatory. These processes are regulated by growth factors and cytokines. One of the markers of activated keratinocytes is keratin K6. We used a novel organ culture system to show that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) induces the expression of K6 protein and mRNA in human skin. Multiple isoforms of K6 are encoded by distinct genes and have distinct patterns of expression. By having shown previously that proliferative signals, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), induce expression of the cytoskeletal protein keratin K6b, we here demonstrate that the same isoform, K6b, is also induced by TNFalpha, a proinflammatory cytokine. Specifically, TNFalpha induces the transcription of the K6b gene promoter. By using co-transfection, specific inhibitors, and antisense oligonucleotides, we have identified NFkappaB and C/EBPbeta as the transcription factors that convey the TNFalpha signal. Both transcription factors are necessary for the induction of K6b by TNFalpha and act as a complex, although only C/EBPbeta binds the K6b promoter DNA. By using transfection, site-directed mutagenesis, and footprinting, we have mapped the site that responds to TNFalpha, NFkappaB, and C/EBPbeta. This site is separate from the one responsive to EGF and AP1. Our results show that the proinflammatory (TNFalpha) and the proliferative (EGF) signals in epidermis separately and independently regulate the expression of the same K6b keratin isoform. Thus, the cytoskeletal responses in epidermal cells can be precisely tuned by separate proliferative and inflammatory signals to fit the nature of the injuries that caused them.
Base Sequence↗
Intrahepatic anastomosis formation between the hepatic veins in the graft liver of the living related liver transplantation: observation by Doppler ultrasonography.
In living related liver transplantation, the right lobe has come to be used as a graft to meet the metabolic demands of adult or adolescent recipients. In harvesting the right lobe as a graft, however, there is controversy as to whether or not the middle hepatic vein (MHV) should be included and reconstructed. Anatomical intrahepatic anastomosis between the right hepatic vein (RHV) and MHV is considered to exist, but the formation process of this functional anastomosis has not been demonstrated by Doppler ultrasonography (US). In our case, a right lobe including a right branch of the MHV was used as a graft. In implanting, the RHV was anastomosed to the inferior vena cava and the right branch of the MHV was ligated. Using Doppler US, we checked the blood flow in the hepatic vein after transplantation. Within 3 days of surgery, no flow was detected in the right branch of the MHV. A flow around the right branch of the MHV was observed at postoperative day 6. At postoperative day 9, a reverse flow was detected in which the right branch of the MHV drained into the RHV via the anastomosis between them. Based on our results, it appears that a functional intrahepatic anastomosis between hepatic veins formed gradually within 10 days of ligation of an afferent branch, during which time the graft function did not deteriorate.
Adolescent↗
Multiple-site optical recording of mouse brainstem evoked by vestibulocochlear nerve stimulation.
We used optical imaging to investigate the mouse cochlear and vestibular nucleus in brainstem slices using a voltage-sensitive dye, RH 155. As a result, the spatiotemporal patterns of excitatory propagation were shown. These optical signals consisted of two components consisting of a spike-like fast signal and a long-lasting slow signal. All responses were abolished by tetrodotoxin. The slow signals were eliminated under a Ca(2+)-free solution. In addition, synaptic fatigue was also observed. The present study indicated the feasibility of optical recording for visually revealing the synaptic transmission in both the vestibular and cochlear nucleus.
Animals↗
Morphologic features and electrical membrane properties of projection neurons in the marginal layer of the medullary dorsal horn of the rat.
Possible correspondence between morphologic features and electrical membrane properties of projection neurons in lamina I [the marginal zone (MZ)] of the caudal subnucleus of the spinal trigeminal nucleus [the medullary dorsal horn (MDH)] was examined by using intracellular recordings and biocytin-injections combined with histochemical and immunohistochemical staining techniques. The experiments were done in horizontal slice preparations of the rat brain. Thirteen MZ neurons were recorded stably and stained successfully. These neurons were confirmed to send their axons to the brain regions outside the MDH by camera lucida reconstruction. They were divided into two types on the basis of branching patterns of their axons within the MDH: Type I projection (P-I) neurons (n = 7 neurons) had main axons that rarely emitted axon collaterals within the MDH, whereas type II projection (P-II) neurons (n = 6 neurons) had main axons that emitted many axon collaterals within laminae I, II (substantia gelatinosa), and III (magnocellular part) of the MDH and also to the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve; these axon collaterals usually constituted a dense mesh of axonal processes within laminae I and II of the MDH, especially in lamina II. About half of the neurons of each type showed immunoreactivity for the neurokinin-1 receptor. Resting membrane potentials were significantly more positive in P-I neurons than in P-II neurons. The P-II neurons had higher input resistance, a longer membrane time constant, and a higher threshold for spike than P-I neurons. In response to weak, long depolarizing current pulses, P-II neurons often showed slow ramp depolarization; the same neurons exhibited delayed repolarization to the resting potential (slow after depolarization) after the offset of the long depolarizing current pulses. Neither the slow-ramp depolarization nor the slow after depolarization was observed in P-I neurons. Slow return to resting membrane potential after offset of hyperpolarizing current pulses also was observed frequently in P-II neurons but not in P-I neurons. The results indicate that P-II neurons differ in their membrane properties compared with P-I neurons, and P-II neurons may be involved in the local circuit mechanism within the MDH more deeply than P-I neurons.
Animals↗
Molecular design, synthesis, and hypoglycemic activity of a series of thiazolidine-2,4-diones.
A series of imidazopyridine thiazolidine-2,4-diones were designed and synthesized from their corresponding pyridines. These compounds represent conformationally restricted analogues of the novel hypoglycemic compound rosiglitazone (5). The series was evaluated for its effect on insulin-induced 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation in vitro and its hypoglycemic activity in the genetically diabetic KK mouse in vivo. The structure-activity relationships are discussed. On the basis of the in vivo potency, 5-[4-(5-methoxy-3-methyl-3H-imidazo[4, 5-b]pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)benzyl]thiazolidine-2,4-dione (19a) was selected as the candidate for further studies in a clinical setting.
3T3 Cells↗