Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T Murai

Publications and source records attributed to T Murai.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

[The effect of alcohol on restoration of damaged gastric mucosa].

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of ethanol on restoration of gastric epithelial cells after artificial cell-free area was made in the culture dish. Restoration of such "wounding" was evaluated quantitatively every 12 hr using a computer image analyzer with and without ethanol. Without ethanol, restoration was achieved within 48 hr. Exposure to ethanol retarded cellular restoration significantly. BrdU-positive cells were recognized around the wound from 24 to 36 hr, and then decreased substantially in control. However, BrdU-positive cells were rarely detected in ethanol group. Staining for actin in the control group revealed the presence of lamellipodia and stress fibers. However, the ethanol groups were observed in narrowed lamellipodia and few stress fibers. In conclusion, ethanol retarded the migration and proliferation of cultured gastric mucosal cells after in vitro wounding, possibly by damaging the cytoskeletal system. To evaluate cell mature during restoration of gastric mucosa after ethanol ingestion, the expression of gap junction protein connexin 32 was studied. The injury was most severe 1h after treatment, and was completely resolved by the 4th day after treatment. The number of immunoreactive spots for gap junctions was markedly decreased 1h after treatment. Reappearance of these staining occurred with repair of the injury. The reappearance of connexin 32 was delayed in comparison with both the histological resolution of the injury and the normalization of PAS-stained mucus. The most active cell proliferation stained by BrdU was observed 24h and then normalized 14th day after treatment. These results indicate that morphological repair is different to the recovery of cell maturity and cell proliferation in the regenerative gastric mucosa.

Actins↗
PubMed1997

Determination of 3-oxo-delta4- and 3-oxo-delta4,6-bile acids and related compounds in biological fluids of infants with cholestasis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A method has been developed for the determination of 3-oxo-delta4- and 3-oxo-delta4,6-bile acids and related bile acids in biological fluids of infants by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the methyl ester-dimethylethylsilyl ether-methoxime derivatives. The 7alpha-hydroxylated 3-oxo-delta4-bile acids were partially dehydrated to give the 3-oxo-delta4,6-bile acids by trimethylsilyl or dimethylethylsilyl derivatization and other pretreatments under acidic or alkaline conditions for GC-MS analysis. To prevent dehydration, the 3-oxo-delta4-bile acids were derivatized to the oximes by treatment with O-methylhydroxylamine prior to pretreatments such as solid-phase extraction, enzymatic solvolysis and hydrolysis of the conjugates, and silylation with dimethylethylsilylimidazole. Calibration curves for the bile acids were linear over a range of 5-250 ng and the detection limit was 100 pg for each 3-oxo-delta4-bile acid. Recoveries of the bile acids and their glycine and taurine conjugates from bile acid-free urine and serum ranged from 94.2 to 105.9% of their added amounts. The bile acids in urine and serum of four patients with severe cholestatic liver disease were measured by the analytical method, and the 3-oxo-delta4-bile acids were determined to be the major bile acids (59-68%) in the urines associated with 3-oxo-delta4-steroid 5beta-reductase deficiency or dysfunction.

Bile Acids and Salts↗
PubMed1997

Prevalence of the speA2 and speA3 alleles in Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from TSLS patients in Japan.

More than 100 cases have been identified as streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS) in Japan, since the first case was reported in 1993. Of 26 S. pyogenes isolates associated with TSLS, 69% were M-types 1 and 3. This study focused on speA alleles which were carried by all M-type 1 and 3 isolates and isolates of some other M-types, irrespective of sources. We sequenced the nucleotides of the relevant region of the speA allele in all of these isolates. Consistent with other reports, these M-type 1 and 3 isolates carried the speA2 and speA3 alleles, respectively. Our results indicate that these two speA alleles, which were prevalent world-wide have been disseminating in Japan.

Alleles↗
PubMed1997

Determination of fetal bile acids in biological fluids from neonates by gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

A method has been developed for microanalysis of fetal bile acids in biological fluids from neonates by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using negative-ion chemical ionization of pentafluorobenzyl ester-dimethylethylsilyl ether derivatives of bile acids. Calibration curves for the bile acid derivatives are useful over the range 0.1-100 pg and the detection limit for bile acids was 1 fg (S/N = 5) using isobutane as a reagent gas. Recoveries of the bile acids and their glycine and taurine conjugates from bile acid-free serum and dried blood discs ranged from 92 to 101% and from 93 to 108%, respectively, of the added amounts of their standard samples. The analysis of bile acids on a dried blood disc, meconium and urine from infants, exhibited significant hydroxylation at the 1 beta-, 2 beta-, 4 beta- and 6 alpha-positions of the usual bile acids, cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids, for the urinary or fecal excretion of bile acids in the fetal and neonatal periods. The present method was applied clinically to analyze bile acids on a dried blood disc from neonatal patients with congenital biliary atresia and hyper-bile-acidemia.

Bile Acids and Salts↗
PubMed1997

A new method of assessing cardiac autonomic function and its comparison with spectral analysis and coefficient of variation of R-R interval.

A new non-linear method of assessing cardiac autonomic function was examined in a pharmacological experiment in ten healthy volunteers. The R-R interval data obtained under a control condition and in autonomic blockade by atropine and by propranolol were analyzed by each of the new methods employing Lorenz plot, spectral analysis and the coefficient of variation. With our method we derived two measures, the cardiac vagal index and the cardiac sympathetic index, which indicate vagal and sympathetic function separately. These two indices were found to be more reliable than those obtained by the other two methods. We anticipate that the non-invasive assessment of short-term cardiac autonomic function will come to be performed more reliably and conveniently by this method.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Multiple early esophageal cancers arising from Barrett's esophagus, and a review of cases of early adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus in Japan.

A case of early esophageal adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's esophagus is reported. Many cases of Barrett's esophagus, which is considered a premalignant condition, have been reported in Western countries, but few cases have been reported in Japan. The patient, a 53-year-old man with nausea and vomiting, was a drinker (four glasses wine/day for about 30 years), but did not smoke. He had had a hiatal hernia of the esophagus. Since endoscopic biopsies demonstrated an early adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus, subtotal esophagectomy was performed. In the resected esophageal material, Barrett's esophagus was seen to extend for 12 cm. In addition to the cancer detected preoperatively as a 0-IIc lesion (1.5 cm in diameter), a 0-IIb lesion (1.5 cm in diameter) was also detected in the postoperative survey. Both lesions were well differentiated adenocarcinoma that had invaded only into the lamina propria mucosa. The 23 cases of early adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus that have been reported in Japan were reviewed, and it was learned that the present case is the second of multiple early cancer arising in Barrett's esophagus so far reported in Japan.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1997

Genetic immobilization of cellulase on the cell surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We tried genetically to immobilize cellulase protein on the cell surface of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in its active form. A cDNA encoding FI-carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) of the fungus Aspergillus aculeatus, with its secretion signal peptide, was fused with the gene encoding the C-terminal half (320 amino acid residues from the C terminus) of yeast alpha-agglutinin a protein involved in mating and covalently anchored to the cell wall. The plasmid constructed containing this fusion gene was introduced into S. cerevisiae and expressed under the control of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter from S. cerevisiae. The CMCase activity was detected in the cell pellet fraction. The CMCase protein was solubilized from the cell wall fraction by glucanase treatment but not by sodium dodecyl sulphate treatment, indicating the covalent binding of the fusion protein to the cell wall. The appearance of the fused protein on the cell surface was further confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy. These results proved that the CMCase was anchored on the cell wall in its active form.

Aspergillus↗
PubMed1997

Lack of promotion of urinary bladder carcinogenesis by sodium bicarbonate and/or L-ascorbic acid in male ODS/Shi-od/od rats synthesizing alpha 2 mu-globulin but not L-ascorbic acid.

The study was designed to investigate whether sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and/or L-ascorbic acid (AsA) promote urinary bladder carcinogenesis in male ODS/Shi-od/od (ODS) rats, which, unlike male F344 rats, are resistant to sodium L-ascorbate (Na-AsA)-promoting effects. Whereas F344 rats can synthesize AsA and alpha 2 mu-globulin (A2 mu-G), only A2 mu-G in produced in ODS rats. The two strains were given 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) in their drinking water for 2 wk and then were fed basal CA-1 diet supplemented with 3% NaHCO3 plus 5% AsA (NaHCO3 + AsA), 3% NaHCO3, 5% AsA, or no chemicals for 32 wk. ODS rats given BBN-NaHCO3 or BBN-(NaHCO3 + AsA) had only a few small carcinomas in the urinary bladder, like those receiving BBN alone or BBN-AsA. In contrast, F344 rats administered BBN-NaHCO3 or BBN-(NaHCO3 + AsA) had many more, larger, carcinoma than animals of the same strain given BBN alone or BBN-AsA. AsA alone did not have any effect in either strain. Administration of NaHCO3 alone or NaHCO3 + AsA was associated with significant elevation of urinary pH and Na+ concentration to the same extent in both strains but, again, AsA alone was without effect. NaHCO3 + AsA and AsA alone increased the urinary concentration of total ascorbic acid in both strains but the observed levels wer lower in ODS rats. The results indicate that ODS rats are resistant to the modifying effects of NaHCO3 and/or AsA on two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis, and thus that the susceptibility to the promotional activity of sodium-salt-type compounds may be regulated by factors other than A2 mu-G-synthesizing ability and urinary levels of pH, Na+ and total ascorbic acid.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

A clinical and bacteriologic investigation of invasive streptococcal infections in Japan on the basis of serotypes, toxin production, and genomic DNA fingerprints.

In a survey of invasive streptococcal infections in Japan, we analyzed isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes collected between 1992 and 1994. Genomic DNA fingerprints produced by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were compared by computer-assisted analysis. Conventional serologic M types were subdivided into PFGE types showing close genetic similarity. Among the 42 isolates from patients with invasive diseases, 16 PFGE types were identified and genetic diversity was clearly demonstrated. Identical fingerprints were observed in both invasive and noninvasive isolates. Only 43% of invasive isolates produced streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (SPE A), and 31% did not contain the speA gene. These findings suggest that the dissemination of a specific clone is not sufficient to explain all cases of these diseases in Japan and pose a question as to the role of SPE A as a major virulent factor. Bacterial factors other than SPE A and host factors should be considered in evaluation of the pathogenesis of the diseases.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1997

Genetic instability and p53 mutations in metastatic foci of mouse urinary bladder carcinomas induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine.

In a variety of human malignancies, alteration of the p53 tumour suppressor gene is known as a significant indicator of late progression events including invasion and metastasis, with a possible close relationship to genetic instability. Mutational analysis of the p53 and H-ras genes was performed for 10 pairs of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine-induced invasive mouse urinary bladder carcinomas and metastatic foci. p53 Mutations were found in nine of 10 (90%) primary carcinomas and seven of 10 (70%) metastatic foci. A total of eight p53 mutations in primary carcinomas were common in metastatic foci in six pairs. Additional p53 or H-ras mutations which were not identified in the primary carcinomas were found in three metastatic foci. Evaluation of the allelic distribution of the p53 mutations using RT-PCR, PCR and subcloning, further indicated possible intra-tumour genomic heterogeneity or excess copy numbers of the p53 gene due to genetic instability. Overall, p53 alterations were frequent in mouse urinary bladder carcinomas demonstrating progression. The results suggest that genetic instability might underlie generation of additional genetic alterations in this animal model.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Transmission of Streptococcus pyogenes causing toxic shock-like syndrome among family members and confirmation by DNA macrorestriction analysis.

Streptococcus pyogenes can cause severe infections, such as toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS). The transmission and pathogenesis of TSLS are poorly understood, and information is needed to develop prevention strategies. Four cases were identified in which the organism was transmitted among patients with TSLS and their family members. DNA macrorestriction endonuclease analysis using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated the spread of S. pyogenes clones that caused TSLS among the family members. Although 14 persons related to the case-patients experienced only colonization or self-limited disease, 3 developed invasive infections (pneumonia, severe pharyngitis requiring hospitalization, and puerperal sepsis). These findings indicate that antimicrobial prophylaxis for close contacts of patients with TSLS should be considered and reinforce the need for further studies on epidemic control of TSLS.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Sarin poisoning on Tokyo subway.

On the day of the disaster, 641 victims were seen at St. Luke's International Hospital. Among those, five victims arrived with cardiopulmonary or respiratory arrest with marked miosis and extremely low serum cholinesterase values; two died and three recovered completely. In addition to these five critical patients, 106 patients, including four pregnant women, were hospitalized with symptoms of mild to moderate exposure. Other victims had only mild symptoms and were released after 6 hours of observation. Major signs and symptoms in victims were miosis, headache, dyspnea, nausea, ocular pain, blurred vision, vomiting, coughing, muscle weakness, and agitation. Almost all patients showed miosis and related symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, or visual darkness. Although these physical signs and symptoms disappeared within a few weeks, psychologic problems associated with posttraumatic stress disorder persisted longer. Also, secondary contamination of the house staff occurred, with some sort of physical abnormality in more than 20%.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Strain differences in sensitivity to the promoting effect of sodium L-ascorbate in a two-stage rat urinary bladder carcinogenesis model.

Rat strain differences in sensitivity to the promoting effect of sodium L-ascorbate (SA) on the development of urinary bladder tumors were investigated. In experiment 1, WS/Shi (WS), ODS/Shiod/od (ODS), and LEW/Crj (LEW) rats were initiated with 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN) in their drinking water and subsequently given basal Oriental MF diet (M) with or without a 5% SA supplement. In LEW rats the SA treatment increased the induction of neoplastic lesions in the urinary bladder, whereas WS and ODS animals proved unresponsive to its promoting effects. In experiment 2, WS and F344 rats were maintained on two kinds of commercial basal diets, M and CLEA CA-1 (C), during administration of SA, since dietary factors can influence promoting effects. Feeding M during the promotion period in F344 rats yielded significantly more neoplastic lesions than feeding C, but in WS rats no such dietary influence was apparent. In experiment 3, strain differences in biosynthesis of alpha-2u-globulin (alpha 1a-g) were assessed because both alpha 2a-g in the urine and administration of sodium salts of organic acids such as SA have been reported to be involved in tumor promotion. Immunohistochemical analysis of renal tubules and Western blotting analysis of urine revealed the presence of alpha 2a-g in all three strains examined. These data suggest that differences in susceptibility to promotion are due to genetic factors rather than dietary factors and the ability to synthesize alpha 2a-g.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Quantitative trait loci associated with promoting effects of sodium L-ascorbate on two-stage bladder carcinogenesis in rats.

In the two-stage rat bladder carcinogenesis model using N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) as an initiator and sodium L-ascorbate (SA) as a promoter, we found a notable strain difference between F344/DuCrj (F344) and WS/Shi (WS) rats in susceptibility to the promoting effect of SA. Twenty each of F344, WS and reciprocal F1 hybrid rats were given 0.05% BBN in their drinking water for 4 weeks and then a basal diet with (BBN-SA group) or without (BBN group) a 5% SA supplement for 32 weeks. In F344 and also in reciprocal F1 hybrids, the number of tumors per rat was significantly higher in the BBN-SA group than in the BBN group (P < 0.0001). In contrast, WS rats were not significantly affected by either treatment (P = 0.8). These findings indicate that F344 rats are highly susceptible to the promoter effect of SA, but WS rats are not. Linkage analysis of 108 WSx (WS x F344) F1 backcrosses revealed that this difference was related to a quantitative trait locus mapped on rat Chr. 17 (maximum LOD score, 3.86) named Bladder Tumor Susceptible-1 and possibly another locus on Chr. 5 (maximum LOD score, 2.39). This study has provided the first evidence that host genes influence the risk of bladder cancer development.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Radiological retrospective study of gastric cancer in humans: two patterns of development in elevated type gastric cancer.

A better understanding of the process of gastric cancer development would undoubtedly be helpful in diagnosis and treatment. However, there is little literature available concerning the natural history of elevated type gastric cancer in humans and this disease had not been systematically investigated. In this study the natural history of elevated type human gastric cancer was retrospectively investigated in 12 radiologically followed-up patients. The cases were divided into two groups according the whether obvious abnormal findings were absent (group A, n = 5) or present (group B, n = 7) at initial examination. Clinico-pathological features, including outcomes and DNA content of the tumours in both groups, were investigated and compared. Although the mean period between the initial and final examinations was significantly shorter in group A (19.6 +/- 11.7 months) than in group B (43.4 +/- 17.3 months), tumour size was significantly larger in group A (5.5 +/- 2.5 cm) than in group B (2.4 +/- 2.5 cm). Furthermore, group A showed deeper neoplastic cell invasion and worse outcomes. The DNA content of two cases in group A and four cases in group B was examined. One case in group A showed and aneuploid pattern, while all of those in group B showed a diploid pattern. These results indicate that the tumours in group A grew much faster than those in group B, which suggests the presence of two different patterns of development in elevated type gastric cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Dreamy states and psychoses in temporal lobe epilepsy: mediating role of affect.

Among 104 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy treated in our clinic between 1992-1995, thirteen patients with repeated dreamy states were evaluated for affective manifestations of dreamy states and their relationship with psychotic states. The types of dreamy states were classified as déjà vu, jamais vu and reminiscence. The affective experiences during dreamy states were evaluated as positive, negative or neutral. As a result, seven patients had déjà vu and/or reminiscence: seizure manifestations in four of these patients were affectively evaluated as positive (familiar and/or pleasurable), and three as neutral. Six cases had experience of jamais vu: five of them were affectively evaluated as negative (mostly fear), and one as neutral. Psychiatrically, only four patients with jamias vu accompanied by feelings of fear had mental disorders: a chronic paranoid-hallucinatory state in two cases, a chronic paranoid state in one case, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in one case. Other patients who had positive or neutral affect did not demonstrate psychiatric disturbances. Thus, most patients with jamais vu were accompanied by negative affect of fear, and those patients with jamais vu tended to show more psychotic symptoms than those with reminiscence or déjà vu, which were associated with positive or neutral affects. Based on these results, we discuss the possibility that repeated negative feelings associated with jamais vu are one of the causes for developing epileptic psychoses.

Adult↗