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Biomedical subjects

T Kojima

Publications and source records attributed to T Kojima.

At least 667 records · Page 37Linked to original sources

O-linked sugar chain of human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor protects it against polymerization and denaturation allowing it to retain its biological activity.

Human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (hG-CSF) is a glycoprotein carrying one O-linked sugar chain. To clarify the role of the oligosaccharide in hG-CSF, some biological and physicochemical properties of the deglycosylated hG-CSF and the intact factor were compared. Recombinant hG-CSF produced in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells was sequentially digested with neuraminidase and endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase. The deglycosylated hG-CSF was one-third as active as the intact form in the colony-forming assay, but it was almost as active as the intact hG-CSF in the cell proliferation assay using NFS-60 cells (NFS-60 bioassay). Inactivation of the deglycosylated hG-CSF was also found by NFS-60 bioassay after incubation for 2 days at pH values from 7 to 8 and at 37 degrees C. This inactivation was accompanied by polymerization of the factor which did not occur with the glycosylated factor. Circular dichroic and calorimetric analyses demonstrated that the deglycosylated hG-CSF is more sensitive to heat denaturation than the intact form and that the inactivation of both forms of hG-CSF was accompanied by conformational change of the proteins. From these results, it was concluded that the O-linked sugar chain of hG-CSF contributes to the stability of the factor by suppressing polymerization and/or its conformational changes.

Amino Acids↗

Eye movements in acute, chronic, and remitted schizophrenics.

Eye movements in 10 acute schizophrenics, 50 chronic schizophrenics, 20 remitted schizophrenics, 25 methamphetamine psychotics, 21 temporal lobe epileptics with left-sided spike focus (l-focus), 12 temporal lobe epileptics with right-sided spike focus (r-focus), and 50 normal controls were examined with an eye mark recorder while they viewed geometric figures. The eye movements while viewing an original "S"-shaped figure for 15 sec were analyzed. Each schizophrenic group and methamphetamine psychotics had significantly less eye fixations than the normal controls and temporal lobe epileptics (r-focus and l-focus). The chronic schizophrenics had significantly shorter mean eye scanning length (MESL) than the other six groups. Each subject was then shown two other figures slightly different from the original and was requested to compare them with the original. After comparing them, the subjects were asked the question, "Are there any other differences?" The 5-sec eye movements during the response to this question were scored using the Responsive Search Score (RSS). The schizophrenic groups had a significantly lower RSS than the nonschizophrenic patient groups and the normal controls. In the chronic schizophrenics, there was a significant negative correlation between the RSS and negative symptoms. These results suggest that the MESL can be an indicator of a chronic process of schizophrenia, and that lowering of the RSS may be a nosologically specific indicator for schizophrenia.

Acute Disease↗

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver. Clinicopathologic study and review of the literature.

Clinicopathologic analysis of nine patients with inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver was reported. The age of the patients varied from 22 to 83 years old, with a male to female ratio of 8 to 1. They complained of intermittent fever and abdominal pain, and laboratory data on admission suggested an inflammatory process. The solitary or multiple, well-defined space-occupying lesions were displayed by recently advanced imaging techniques. Partial hepatectomy, laparotomy, needle biopsy, or autopsy was performed in all nine patients with diagnoses of hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic liver tumor, or liver abscess. Histologically, these lesions were composed of dense hyalinized fibrosis and/or infiltrating inflammatory cells constituting large numbers of foamy histiocytes, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Obliterating phlebitis of relatively large branches of the portal vein was found, thus providing a diagnostic clue to distinction from the primary hepatic cancer by imagings. Considering the clinicopathologic features and the patients' histories, in which four patients had been in the Southeast Asian countries or India, it is possible that infection of microorganisms through the portal vein could participate in these lesions as a cause. Two patients died of causes probably related to this lesion, indicating poor prognosis in some patients, in contrast to the generally fair prognosis of previously published cases.

Adult↗

Analysis of inflammable substances to determine whether death has occurred before or after burning.

In two murder cases involving burning, both victims had been set on fire in the open air after being drenched with kerosene. In the first case, carbon monoxide hemoglobin (COHb) saturation was found to be 2.1% in the left heart blood and 0.8% in the right heart blood, a ratio of 2.6 for left to right heart blood. Paraffin hydrocarbons were also detected in the left heart blood. It was determined that the victim had been set on fire before death and that burning had been the cause of death. In the second case, the COHb saturation was 0.21% in the left heart blood and 0.24% in the right heart blood, giving a left-to-right ratio of 0.9. Paraffin hydrocarbons were detected in the hair sample, but not in the left heart blood. It was determined that the victim had been set on fire after death, and the cause of death was suspected to be asphyxia due to compression of the neck.

Adolescent↗

Chronic calcifying pancreatitis associated with primary hyperparathyroidism--report of a case and review of the literature.

A 34 year old male was hospitalized because of severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. An abdominal X-ray revealed multiple calculi in the head of pancreas and blood tests showed his serum calcium level to be high. He underwent surgery of the parathyroid gland and a parathyroid tumor was removed. Two months later, resection of the head of the pancreas was also performed. Eighteen months after his operation there has been no recurrence of abdominal pain or diarrhea and his serum calcium level is within the normal range. We report this case herein and also discuss the possible cause and effect relationship between primary hyperparathyroidism and pancreatitis, and the appropriate management, in relation to a review of the literature.

Adult↗

Immunohistochemical investigation of hepatitis B virus associated antigens, HLA antigens and lymphocyte subsets in type B chronic hepatitis.

HLA antigens, hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated antigens and lymphocyte subsets in liver tissue from 35 patients with HBs antigenemia were studied using an immunoperoxidase double staining method and immunoelectron microscopy in order to clarify the immune mechanism of hepatocyte lysis in type B hepatitis. Immune light and electron microscopy using monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte subsets revealed that infiltrating lymphocytes in the areas of piecemeal necrosis and focal necrosis were predominantly CD8-positive, showing direct contact with hepatocytes. In contrast, CD4(+) cells were infrequently observed in necrotizing inflammatory lesions. HLA-A,B,C antigens were mainly found on hepatocytes in areas of piecemeal necrosis and focal necrosis, in association with CD8(+) lymphocyte infiltration. HLA-DR antigens were demonstrated on a few hepatocytes in the same lesions. In cases of CAH with serum HBeAg positive, HLA-A,B,C, antigens and HBV antigens simultaneously demonstrated on the same hepatocytes. Especially, hepatocytes expressing both HLA-A,B,C antigen and HBsAg on the plasma membrane showed direct contact with CD8(+)lymphocytes. This finding fulfilled the morphological requirements for HBsAg as a target antigen. On the other hand, HBcAg was hardly demonstrated in the liver cell membrane but was demonstrated mainly in the cytoplasm. Compared with the nuclear localization of HBcAg in cases of NSR, cytoplasmic localization of this antigen may be associated with membranous expression of new antigens induced by HBV infection.

Chronic Disease↗

Reverse vascular pedicle digital island flap.

In 7 cases involving 8 fingers, amputation of the distal phalanx of the finger with defects of the pulp were covered by island flaps with the digital vessels acting as reverse vascular pedicles. The survival of the island flap was successful in all cases. The vascularisation of the island flap is derived from the digital palmar arch which is the anastomosis between the radial and ulnar sides of the finger. This method uses a single operative field and covers the defect with volar skin having similar qualities. However, due to problems in sensory recovery, we limit the indications for this method to the middle, ring and little fingers of the non-dominant hand.

Adult↗

Immunopharmacological study of sulfated schizophyllan (SPG). I.--Its action as a mitogen and anti-HIV agent.

Sulfated schizophyllans of differing sulfur content were prepared and their mitogenic activities and effects on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were investigated in vitro. The sulfated schizophyllans were found to possess mitogenic activity. Anti-viral activity was evaluated in terms of cytopathic effect, and by the fluorescence antibody technique, reverse transcriptase assay and cell proliferation assay. Schizophyllans with a higher sulfur content showed potent anti-HIV effects on Molt-4 clone No. 8 or MT-4 cells infected with HIV as well as on lymphocytes from AIDS patients. It is suggested that the sulfur content of schizophyllans is the most important factor for inhibiting growth of HIV, rather than molecular weight or kinds of sugar component. Thus, sulfated schizophyllans appear applicable as anti-HIV drugs.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Pretreatment of rats with an organophosphorus insecticide, chlorfenvinphos, protects against subsequent challenge with the same compound.

A single oral pretreatment of rats with chlorfenvinphos (CVP) reduced toxicity of the same compound subsequently administered. This protection occurred 8 hr and became maximal 24 hr after the oral pretreatment at a dose of 15 mg/kg (about half of its LD50). The 24-hr pretreatment with CVP increased the LD50 of CVP threefold, but did not change the type of toxic signs and time to death caused by CVP. The CVP pretreatment did not appreciably change the toxicities of the cholinergic agonists, carbachol and oxotremorine, but significantly increased the toxicity of another organophosphate, dichlorvos. Oral treatment of rats with CVP (15 mg/kg) inhibited brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. This inhibition became maximal at 4 hr (about 20% of control) and lasted more than 24 hr after the administration. Twenty-four hours after oral administration of CVP (15 mg/kg), the second dose (CVP 30 mg/kg, po) was less effective in inhibiting cholinesterase activities of the brain, erythrocyte, and plasma compared with naive rats treated with the same dose. The difference in brain AChE activity between control and CVP pretreatment groups was greater in magnitude than that measured in erythrocytes. CVP concentration in plasma after the oral administration of CVP (30 mg/kg) was decreased by the CVP pretreatment. Area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC) in the CVP-pretreated group was about one-fourth of AUC in the control group. This decrease in the AUC was comparable to the decrease in the toxicity of CVP. Thus, the protection against subsequent CVP challenge may be due to the reduction in the inhibition of brain AChE activity caused by the decrease in plasma CVP concentration.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Determination of disulfoton and its metabolites in the body fluids of a Di-Syston intoxication case.

Disulfoton and its metabolites, two sulfoxides and two sulfones, in the body fluids of a patient who had ingested Di-Syston were analyzed by FPD-GC and GC/MS. After the chemicals in the extract (Fraction 1) obtained by Extrelut column extraction were analyzed, disulfoton and sulfoxides in Fraction 1 were oxidized into sulfones. The sulfones in the extract (Fraction 2) obtained by Extrelut column extraction were analyzed and the estimated concentrations of metabolite were calculated. The concentrations of disulfoton and the sum of the metabolites in the blood collected on admission were 0.093 nmol/g (25.4 ng/g) and 4.92 nmol/g (corresponding to 1.35 micrograms/g of disulfoton), respectively. These concentrations appear to indicate a severe level of disulfoton intoxication.

Aged↗

Correlation between 'on admission' blood toluene concentrations and the presence or absence of signs and symptoms in solvent abusers.

For 1 year, from June 1987 to June 1988, toluene concentrations in blood samples of patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital after inhaling solvent vapor, collected on admission and 4 h later, were analyzed by gas chromatograph. Toluene levels in the first urine samples collected after admission were also analyzed and case histories were kept listing age, sex and physical and psychiatric effects. In all, 51 cases were studied--34 males and 17 females. (1) The average age of the males was 21.4 years and of the female 16.2 years. (2) The toluene concentrations in the blood collected on admission ranged from 0.3 to 22.8 micrograms/g. (3) Physical signs were observed in 9 patients with an "on admission" blood toluene concentrations of more than 3.0 micrograms/g; twice as many subjects (18), however, with blood toluene concentration greater than 3.0 micrograms/g were without physical signs. (4) The blood toluene concentrations of three cases in the condition known as twilight state were more than 10.0 micrograms/g. (5) In 24 cases with blood toluene concentrations below 3.0 micrograms/g, there were no physical signs. (6) Five subjects with blood toluene concentrations in the 0.8-5.2 micrograms/g range showed neuropsychiatric effects; however, 23 subjects in the same blood toluene concentration range did not exhibit psychiatric effects, and none of the subjects with blood toluene concentrations greater than 5.2 micrograms/g, 15 in all, had such effects.

Adolescent↗

Determination of dimethoate in blood and hemoperfusion cartridge following ingestion of formothion: a case study.

A 57-year-old male who had ingested not more than 22 g of formothion was semicomatose on admission to hospital, approximately 1.5 h after ingestion. Dimethoate, a hydrolyzed formothion, was found in blood samples collected from the patient and in the charcoal column in the direct hemoperfusion cartridge which was used 6 to 7.5 h after ingestion. It was extracted and purified by Extrelut column extraction. A gas chromatograph, equipped with a flame photometric detector and a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer, were used to detect and confirm the presence of dimethoate. The blood dimethoate concentrations which were taken approximately 1.5 and 6 h after ingestion were 21.4 and 12.7 micrograms/g, respectively. A blood dimethoate concentration of 21.4 micrograms/g would appear to indicate a high level of formothion intoxication. The total amount of dimethoate found in the charcoal column used was 15 mg.

Adsorption↗

Gas chromatographic determination of cresols in the biological fluids of a non-fatal case of cresol intoxication.

A simple and rapid method for analysis of free and conjugated cresols in biological fluids was developed. Prior to and following freeing of the conjugated cresols by acid hydrolysis in a sealed ampoule, free cresols were extracted by Extrelut column extraction, determined by gas chromatography, and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In a non-fatal case of cresol intoxication a 46-year-old male had ingested about 100 ml of a saponated cresol soap solution. The concentrations of xylenol (2,4- and/or 2,5-dimethylphenol) and p- and m-cresol in the serum sample collected on admission were 15.8 micrograms/g, 43.3 micrograms/g and 73.8 micrograms/g, respectively. The total cresol concentration of 117 micrograms/g in the serum is within the range of fatal concentrations, and it is suspected therefore that the patient's recovery was due to adequate therapy alone.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Traumatic rupture of intracranial vertebral artery due to hyperextension of the head: reports on three cases.

In three cases of fatal basal subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of the normal intracranial vertebral artery, the ruptures appeared to have been caused by overstretching of the vertebral artery from traumatic hyperextension of the head. In the first case, that of a 31-year-old male pedestrian who, while intoxicated, had been hit from behind by a car, symmetrically located bilateral complete and incomplete tearing of the vertebral arteries was found. In both of the other two cases, involving women aged 37 and 51 found dead after receiving fist blows to the face while intoxicated, complete rupture of the vertebral artery was found. The blood alcohol concentrations of the three cases ranged from 1.6 to 1.7 mg/g at autopsy.

Adult↗

Evaluation of the effects of antigen specific immunotherapy on chronic sinusitis in children with allergy.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of allergy in children with chronic sinusitis. After allergic examinations, 52 sinusitis children were divided into allergic and non-allergic groups: 37 allergic children were treated with either the combination of antigen specific immunotherapy and medication with lysozyme chloride preparation (AI group, n = 20) or medication alone (AM group, n = 17); 15 non-allergic patients were also treated with lysozyme chloride preparation (NAM group). The treatment results including the radiographic improvements were significantly better in the AI group than in the AM or NAM group. The clinical effects of lysozyme chloride preparation tended to be better in the NAM group than in the AM group.

Allergens↗

Inhibitory effect of sinigrin and indole-3-carbinol on diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male ACI/N rats.

The modifying effects of sinigrin (Sin) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C) on the hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) were investigated in male ACI/N rats. Rats were divided into six groups: group 1 was given DEN (40 p.p.m.) in the drinking water for 5 weeks, starting at 7 weeks of age; group 2 was treated with DEN and diet containing 1200 p.p.m. Sin; group 3 received DEN and diet containing 1000 p.p.m. I3C; group 4 was given Sin diet alone; group 5 was given I3C diet alone; and group 6 served as controls. The diet containing Sin or I3C was fed to the rats starting at 6 weeks of age until 1 week after the carcinogen exposure. At termination of the experiment (week 29), the incidences of iron-excluding altered foci (11.22 +/- 3.22/cm2) and liver cell tumors (6/12, 50%) and the tumor multiplicity (0.9/rat) in rats of group 2 were significantly smaller than those of group 1 (foci incidence, 48.33 +/- 6.34/cm2, tumor incidence, 10/10, 100%; multiplicity, 9.5/rat) (P less than 0.02). Similarly, the incidence of iron-excluding hepatocellular foci (17.65 +/- 4.67/cm2) and tumor multiplicity (2.4/rat) with a slight reduction of tumor incidence (9/12, 75%) in rats of group 3 were significantly lower than those of group 1 (P less than 0.001). There were no liver cell neoplasms in rats of groups 4, 5 and 6. Thus, Sin and I3C inhibited the hepatocarcinogenesis induced by DEN when they were administered concurrently with the carcinogen.

Animals↗

Characterization of C-protein isoforms expressed in developing, denervated, and dystrophic chicken skeletal muscles by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

C-Proteins in developing, denervated, and dystrophic chicken skeletal muscles were examined by means of two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis in combination with immunoblotting. In this analysis, the electrophoresis system which was devised by Hirabayashi (Anal. Biochem. 117, 443-451, 1981) provided excellent resolution; three C-protein variants, one fast-type (Cf) and two slow-types (CS3 and CS4) with different Mrs and pIs, were distinguished on a 2D gel. In the neonatal breast muscle, both Cf and CS3 were detected, but during postnatal development, CS3 disappeared from this muscle and Cf became only the C-protein isoform in the adult muscle. In posterior latissimus dorsi (PLD) muscle, both Cf and CS3 were similarly detected at the neonatal stage, but CS3 was replaced by CS4 as this muscle developed. When the breast and PLD muscles were denervated or suffered from muscular dystrophy, both CS3 and CS4 were co-expressed in these muscles in addition to Cf. These results definitely show that the C-protein isoform pattern varies during development and degeneration of chicken skeletal muscles, and in addition the dystrophic or denervated muscle differs from the neonatal muscle with regard to C-protein isoform expression. We suggest that chicken skeletal muscle degenerating due to denervation or muscular dystrophy does not simply recapture the nature of the neonatal muscle, but shifts in a somewhat different direction.

Aging↗

Secondary ear reconstruction using deep temporal fascia after temporoparietal fascial reconstruction in microtia.

As anatomical study of the temporoparietal fascia (TPF) has advanced, there have been several reports on one-stage reconstruction of microtia using the TPF. To our knowledge, however, no report has described how to do secondary reconstruction if partial necrosis occurs, exposing the cartilage frame. Recently we treated a case of microtia that had become partially necrotic after the patient underwent one-stage reconstruction using the TPF. The deep temporal fascia was elevated to cover the necrotic portion and ensure successful placement of the skin graft. This technique greatly enhances one-stage reconstruction of the auricle using a TPF flap.

Adult↗