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Biomedical subjects

T Kawaguchi

Publications and source records attributed to T Kawaguchi.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Association of lifestyle parameters with the prevention of hypertension in elderly Japanese men and women: a four-year follow-up of normotensive subjects.

To study the association of lifestyle parameters with the future risk of hypertension in normotensive subjects, a baseline questionnaire and a four-year follow-up were performed in 445 normotensive Japanese at 35 to 89 years of age. In 60 to 69 year old subjects, the changes of blood pressure during four years were negatively correlated with the amount of boiled rice intake in men and with Japanese tea intake in women. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that miso-soup intake at two bowls per day or over was protective against hypertension during follow-up (p < 0.05). These results indicate that food intake is important in the prevention of hypertension in the elderly.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetics of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-2-thiocytosine, a 2-sulphur substituted derivative of cytarabine.

1-(beta-D-Arabinofuranosyl)-2-thiocytosine (araSC), a 2-substituted derivative of cytarabine (araC), has been investigated for its cytotoxicity, enzymatic stability, plasma concentration-time profile in mice, and cytokinetics. This derivative showed strong cytotoxicity in several mammalian cell lines, although activity (IC50s) was weaker than araC. Greater stability to mouse cytidine deaminase was observed; the half-life in the presence of the enzyme was about 4-times longer than that of araC. The plasma concentration-time profile in mice in vivo showed prolonged retention of araSC when compared with araC. Cytokinetic study using flow cytometry indicated a non-S-phase specific effect of this compound.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Smoking behavior of nurses in Mie Prefecture, Japan].

Nurses who work in hospitals and clinics belonging to a regional medical association in Mie prefecture were surveyed regarding their smoking behavior and several related factors. The results are summarized as follows: 1) Smoking prevalence in male and female nurses was 75.5% and 14.6% respectively. In the present study the rate of female nurses was almost equal to results reported in a national survey. 2) Smoking prevalence was higher among licensed practical nurses than registered nurses, and it was highest among psychiatric nurses. 3) Smoking prevalence among hospital and clinical nurses was 15.7% and 9.1% respectively. Smoking prevalence was lower among clinical nurses, even though, they have a higher number of licensed practical nurses. Also smoking prevalence was higher in hospitals with a smaller nursing staff than in hospitals with a larger nursing staff. 4) Among smokers, 44.5% seriously had attempted to quit smoking, and 34.1% had considered quitting but never tried. Therefore, the results suggest the importance of providing smoking cessation programs for nurses.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[A comparison of smoking habits between nursing school and nursing college students].

This study was conducted through anonymous questionnaires in order to compare the smoking habits of nursing school students with those of nursing college students, and to identify factors that might possibly indicate causes of smoking habits, among students of two major courses (a 3-year nursing school course and a 4-year nursing college course) for becoming nurses. The subjects were students in two nursing schools and two nursing colleges in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. The results showed that the smoking prevalence among nursing school students in the first to the third grades was 26%, and that among nursing college students of the same grades was 12%. As to factors related to smoking habits of the students the smoking patterns of mothers and friends were shown to largely influence those of the nursing students. Among nursing college students, 21% agreed to a smoking ban in their schools, compared with 14% of the nursing school students.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Cloning and sequencing of beta-mannosidase gene from Aspergillus aculeatus no. F-50.

The manB gene, coding for a unique beta-mannosidase (MANB) of Aspergillus aculeatus, was cloned from genomic and cDNA libraries, and sequenced. The gene consists of 2,811 bp encoding a polypeptide of 937 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 104,214 Da. The A. aculeatus MANB shared amino acid sequence identity with MANB of human (24%), goat (24%), bovine (24%), and Caenorhabditis elegans (22%). When the A. aculeatus MANB was compared with other related enzymes, a Glu residue corresponding to the active site identified by the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase and the human beta-guclonidase was conserved. This is the first fungal gene that encodes MANB.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

[Reproductive and developmental toxicity study of gadobenate dimeglumine formulation (E7155) (2)--Combined study of effects on fertility and embryo-fetal toxicity in female rats by intravenous administration].

The influence of gadobenate dimeglumine formulation (E7155) on fertility and general reproductive performance and embryo-fetal development was assessed in female Sprague-Dawley rats. E7155 was administered by intravenous injection at a dose of 0.3, 1.0 or 2.0 mmol/kg/day to groups of 22 female rats for 15 days before pairing. Treatment was continued throughout mating and up to Day 17 of gestation. Control animals received 0.9% sterile physiological saline throughout the same period. All females were killed on Day 20 of gestation for examination of their uterine contents. There were no toxic clinical signs of treatment. The body weight and food consumption of females before pairing and during gestation were not affected by treatment. Estrous cycles, mating performance, litter size and fetal weight, survival and development were also not affected by treatment. Based on the above results, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of E7155 was 2.0 mmol/kg/day for general toxicologic effects and reproduction of female rats and the development of their fetuses.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Solitary squamous papilloma of the bronchus associated with human papilloma virus type 11.

A 79-year-old female presented with persistent dry cough, and a chest radiograph showed a mass shadow in the right upper lung. Bronchoscopic examination revealed that the right main bronchus was severely obstructed by a polypoid tumor, which was diagnosed pathologically as squamous papilloma. After the failure of the attempted endobronchial snare to remove the tumor, right upper lobectomy was performed. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examination showed the presence of human papilloma virus type 11 DNA in the resected tumor, suggesting that this virus was the cause of this solitary squamous papilloma of the lung.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[A clinical study of bladder cancer in adolescent patients].

PURPOSE: We have reviewed clinical characteristics of bladder cancer in adolescent patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1978 and 1997, we have experienced eight bladder cancer patients of 7 men and 1 woman under 30 years old. Two patients were less than 20 years old and six patient were more than 20 years old. We have reviewed initial symptoms, diagnostic methods, cystoscopic findings, methods of treatment, pathological findings, and prognosis of these patients. RESULTS: The most common chief complaint was asymptomatic macroscopic hematuria. Cystoscopically, all tumors were papillary and solitary except in one case. All of tumors were superficial transitional cell carcinomas and treated with transurethral resection (TUR). Although the tumors in patients of less than 20 years old were pathologically grade 1 and 2, two cases of grade 3 tumors were found in patients more than 20 years old. The prognosis of these patients were good, for none of them was dead and the recurrence rate after TUR was 12.5% (1/8). CONCLUSIONS: We considered that characteristics of bladder cancer in adolescent patients were low stage, low grade, and good prognosis. But it was found that high grade tumors were contained in patients more than 20 years old.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Dural arteriovenous fistula of the transverse-sigmoid sinus with intraventricular hemorrhage: a case report].

We report a case of dural arteriovenous fistula of the transverse-sigmoid sinus (TS-DAVF) with intraventricular hemorrhage. An 83-year-old woman presented with headache and vomiting. Neurological examination showed no defects. CT scans demonstrated intraventricular hemorrhage. Left external carotid angiograms showed a dural arteriovenous fistula of the isolated transverse-sigmoid sinus fed by the occipital and middle meningeal arteries. The draining vein was the leptomeningeal vein. Left internal carotid angiograms demonstrated venous congestion in the left temporal and occipital lobes. This case was grade 4 according to Lalwani's classification. 123I-IMP SPECT revealed a low perfusion are in the left temporal and occipital regions. Dynamic CT scans revealed venous congestion in the left temporal and occipital regions. We considered that the venous congestion was the cause of intraventricular hemorrhage. Initially, we embolized the DAVF using a transarterial approach with liquid material. However, the embolization of the DAVF was not complete. Therefore, we treated the DAVF by sinus packing with coils using a small craniotomy. Angiographic cure was obtained and the postoperative course was uneventful. We discuss the clinical features, the hemodynamic findings and the management of this case.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Confocal imaging of in situ natural microbial communities and their extracellular polymeric secretions using Nanoplast resin.

A novel method using excision and fixation in Nanoplast, a hydrophilic embedding resin, allows confocal imaging of natural microbial communities and their extracellular polymeric secretions (EPS) while in situ. Prestaining with fluorescent probes permits the observation of specific cellular and extracellular components. Marine stromatolite sediments were examined using this method. Optical sectioning using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) permitted high-resolution imaging through sediments. Delicate arrangements of the EPS that are associated with sedimentary microbial biofilms were imaged using a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled lectin (concanavalin-A) probe. Close microspatial associations of heterotrophic bacteria cells and autotrophic cyanobacteria cells were also observed. The nanoplast resin produces no detectable autofluorescence. Further coupling of multi-photon scanning laser microscopy (2P-LSM) with a conventional single photon CLSM allowed concurrent imaging of DAPI-labeled microbial cells, FITC-labeled EPS and autofluorescent carbonate sand grains. The multi-photon infrared laser permits deep (approximately 1 mm) penetration of samples and the excitation of DAPI, which normally requires UV-excitation with minimal disturbance to samples. The unique combination of Nanoplast with fluorescent probes, CLSM and 2P-LSM allows for the preservation and imaging of natural microbial communities in their in situ state, a method easily adapted for examinations of other microbial systems.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1999

[Dural arteriovenous fistula of the transverse sigmoid sinus after transvenous embolization of the carotid cavernous fistula].

We report a case of dural arteriovenous fistula of the transverse-sigmoid sinus after transvenous embolization of the carotid cavernous fistula. A 72-year-old woman presented with left exophthalmos, chemosis, bruit and left abducens nerve palsy in June 1996. Bilateral external and internal carotid angiograms revealed the dural arteriovenous fistula of the cavernous sinus. We embolized the dural arteriovenous fistula using a transvenous approach via the left inferior petrosal sinus. Angiograms demonstrated the complete disappearance of the dural arteriovenous fistula. Two years and six months later, she complained of tinnitus at the retroauricular region. Left external carotid angiograms showed a dural arteriovenous fistula of the transverse-sigmoid sinus fed by occipital, posterior auricular, middle meningeal and superficial temporal arteries. We embolized the dural arteriovenous fistula using a transarterial approach. Her symptoms disappeared but the dural arteriovenous fistula did not disappear completely. We discussed the clinical features and etiology of this case.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Functional characterization of Kunitz domains in hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 2.

Hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 2 (HAI-2) was identified as a potent inhibitor of hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGF activator). The primary translation product of HAI-2 contains two Kunitz domains. To characterize their function, we introduced a point mutation into the reactive site of each Kunitz domain, and assayed the mutants for their HGF activator inhibitory activity. A point mutation in the COOH-terminal Kunitz domain did not affect the activity of HAI-2, whereas a point mutation in the NH2-terminal Kunitz domain markedly reduced the activity. These results suggest that the NH2-terminal Kunitz domain is mainly responsible for the HGF activator inhibitory activity of HAI-2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

FTY720, a novel immunosuppressant, induces sequestration of circulating mature lymphocytes by acceleration of lymphocyte homing in rats. II. FTY720 prolongs skin allograft survival by decreasing T cell infiltration into grafts but not cytokine production in vivo.

FTY720, a novel immunosuppressant, prolonged the survival of WKAH skin allografts transplanted into MHC-incompatible F344 rats. In this allograft model, the median survival time of the control group was 7 days, whereas those of the groups given FTY720 orally at 0.1 mg/kg and cyclosporin A (CsA) at 10 mg/kg were 10.5 and 11 days, respectively. In contrast, FTY720 (0.1 mg/kg) combined with CsA (10 mg/kg) synergistically prolonged allograft survival with a median survival time exceeding 70 days. To elucidate the mechanisms of this remarkable synergistic effect, mRNA expressions of IL-2 and IFN-gamma and that of CD3 (delta-chain), which reflects T cell infiltration, in allografts were temporally analyzed using a semiquantitative PCR method. In WKAH skin allografts, mRNA levels of IL-2, IFN-gamma, and CD3 were increased as compared with isograft controls, peaking on days 4 to 5. CsA (10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited elevations of IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA, while slightly inhibiting that of CD3 mRNA in allografts. On the contrary, FTY720 (0.1 mg/kg) markedly inhibited the elevation of CD3 mRNA, while slightly inhibiting those of IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA. FTY720 (0.1 mg/kg) combined with CsA (10 mg/kg) almost completely suppressed the intragraft expressions of mRNA for IL-2, IFN-gamma, and CD3. Immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometric analysis also confirmed that FTY720 decreased T cell infiltration into allografts. From these results, the synergistic effect of FTY720 combined with CsA on prolongation of allograft survival is presumably based on the respective inhibitions of T cell infiltration and cytokine production in grafts.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

FTY720, a novel immunosuppressant, induces sequestration of circulating mature lymphocytes by acceleration of lymphocyte homing in rats. I. FTY720 selectively decreases the number of circulating mature lymphocytes by acceleration of lymphocyte homing.

FTY720, given i.v. or orally at 0.03 mg/kg or more, significantly prolonged skin allograft survival in a dose-dependent manner and showed more potent immunosuppressive activity than cyclosporin A (CsA) or tacrolimus (FK506) in MHC-incompatible rat strains of WKAH donors and F344 recipients. However, unlike CsA or FK506, FTY720 up to 1000 nM did not affect IL-2 production in allogeneic MLC. Within 3 to 24 h after a single oral administration of FTY720 at 0.1 to 1 mg/kg, the number of lymphocytes in the rats was markedly decreased in the peripheral blood and thoracic duct lymph and partially in spleen. By contrast, the number of lymphocytes in peripheral lymph nodes (PLN), mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and Peyer's patches (PP) was significantly increased at the same time. Intravenous transfusion of calcein-labeled rat lymphocytes into rats revealed that FTY720 significantly accelerated lymphocyte homing to PLN, MLN, and PP, dose dependently. Since FTY720-induced lymphocyte homing was completely blocked by simultaneous treatment of the calcein-labeled lymphocytes with mAbs against CD62L, CD49d, and CD11a before the transfusion, the acceleration of lymphocyte homing by FTY720 appears to be mediated by lymphocyte-homing receptors. These findings indicate that FTY720 sequesters circulating mature lymphocytes into PLN, MLN, and PP by acceleration of lymphocyte homing and thereby decreases the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood, thoracic duct lymph, and spleen. Based on these observations, sequestration of circulating mature-lymphocytes is presumed to be a main mechanism of the immunosuppressive activity of FTY720.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Properties of Starches Conjugated with Lysine and Poly(lysine) by the Maillard Reaction.

Native potato starch (PS), carboxymethyl potato starch (CMS), and corn starch phosphate monoester (PCS) were conjugated with lysine (Lys) and poly(lysine) (PL) by the Maillard reaction. The increased yellowness of each reaction mixture showed the development of browning, suggesting the conjugation of starch and Lys or PL. The Lys and PL contents in the conjugates were 0.12-0.68% and 2.8-4.3%, respectively. Conjugation with PL reduced the swelling and solubility of each starch. The CMS and PCS conjugates gelatinized at higher temperatures than either CMS or PCS alone and were hard to retrograde. The digestibility of each conjugate with alpha-amylase was lower than that of the original starch. The functional changes to the starches were most marked in the cases of starches with partial distortion of the internal structure as indicated for CMS and PCS.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Mercury in fish.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Meningeal melanocytoma in the left frontal region.

We report a rare case of meningeal melanocytoma in the left frontal region. A 45-year-old man complained of a headache. Magnetic resonance (MR) scanning showed characteristic patterns: a slightly high signal intensity mass in the left frontal region on the T1-weighted image and a low signal intensity on the T2-weighted image. The patient underwent gross total removal of the tumor. The postoperative course was uneventful. After two years, there was a small local recurrence. The histological finding of the tumor showed meningeal melanocytoma. To our knowledge, this is the second published report of a meningeal melanocytoma in the supratentorial region.

Brain Neoplasms↗