Biomedical subjects

T Nakano

Publications and source records attributed to T Nakano.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Tegumentary papillae of Echinostoma caproni cercariae (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae).

Argentophilic staining and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the tegumentary papillae of Echinostoma caproni cercariae. The most abundant tegumentary papillae were uniciliate, but multiciliate papillae were also found, mainly on the ventral aspect of the oral collar. The distribution pattern of the papillae on the body and tail was in general similar to that seen in the cercariae of other 37-collar-spined Echinostoma species. Some differences were noted between E. caproni and the allopatric species, E. trivolvis. E. caproni has a greater number of papillae associated with the collar spines than does E. trivolvis. E. caproni has uniciliate papillae on the acetabulum, whereas E. trivolvis does not. Chaetotaxy is useful to distinguish subtle morphological differences in cercarial species in the 37-collar-spined Echinostoma complex.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Motor evoked potentials following transcranial magnetic stimulation after middle cerebral artery and/or basilar artery occlusions in rats.

To clarify the significance of motor evoked potentials following transcranial magnetic stimulation (MMEPs) in acute stage of cerebral ischemia, MMEPs were recorded in rats with the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) and/or the basilar (BA) artery occlusions. MMEPs from bilateral forelimb muscle and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) of the pons were recorded simultaneously. After MCA occlusion, the amplitudes of MMEPs from left forelimb were increased up to approximately 184-221% of the pre-ischemic value for 60 min, though the latencies were unchanged. On the other hand, in the rats of BA occlusion and both BA and MCA occlusion groups, MMEPs amplitudes were decreased to 8-25% of the pre-ischemic value for 60 min. Pontine rCBF was decreased to 28-44% in both groups. As a mechanism of the facilitation of MMEPs after MCA occlusion, the affection of the inhibitory mechanism between the cerebral cortex and the generator of MMEPs by MCA occlusion is speculated.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Survey of Vibrio cholerae O1 and its survival over the winter in marine water of Port of Osaka.

The survey of Vibrio cholerae O1 in marine area was carried out in the Port of Osaka, Japan in 1987-2001, and 51 V. cholerae O1 strains were isolated. All strains were identified to be of El Tor biotype, Ogawa serotype and classic Ubon Kappa-phage type, and were cholera toxin (CT)-negative and CT gene-negative. In order to clarify certain ecological aspects of V. cholerae O1 in the marine environment of the temperate zone, we performed molecular analysis of the isolated strains using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) with NotI and SfiI restriction enzymes. We found the indistinguishable strains by DNA analysis using PFGE with strains passed for 1 year, and also found the closely related strains with that passed for 3 and 12 years. Those results indicated that V. cholerae O1 can survive over one winter at least, and that it survives in marine water for a long time by undergoing continuous mutation.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2003

Graft-versus-tumor effect in a patient with advanced neuroblastoma who received HLA haplo-identical bone marrow transplantation.

A 5-year-old boy received CD34-positive HLA haplo-identical bone marrow transplantation from his father as treatment for refractory advanced neuroblastoma. He had residual disease in the para-aortic lymph nodes and multiple bones after the transplant. However, all of his residual disease had disappeared completely 3 years later. He developed grade I acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) but had no symptoms of chronic GVHD or any other complications. This case demonstrates the possibility of a graft-versus-tumor effect against neuroblastoma by HLA-mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

PubMed2003

Neuroendoscopic surgery for intracerebral haemorrhage--comparison with traditional therapies.

Endoscopy is a new therapeutic option for hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhage. Although it has the advantages of being less invasive than craniotomy and more effective than conservative treatment, not all patients are candidates for it. Since it is important to clarify which characteristics of patients are indications for this operation, we retrospectively evaluated the role of endoscopic surgery in comparison with traditional treatments for hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhage. Seven patients were treated with endoscopic surgery in our institution between January 2000 and November 2001. Two had thalamic haemorrhage, 4 putaminal haemorrhage, and 1 intracerebral haemorrhage. The average age of patients was 55 years. Endoscopic operation was mainly selected for haematomas more than 20 ml and less than 40 ml in volume. Generally, endoscopy yielded good outcomes with GR in 50 % of patients. Adequate indications for endoscopic operation may be the following; 1) Putaminal haematoma of small-intermediate size, 2) Haematoma situated deep in the brain, e. g., thalamic haemorrhage, 3) Intraventricular haematoma, 4) High-risk patients who cannot tolerate general anaesthesia.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Randomized phase II study of cisplatin, irinotecan and etoposide combinations administered weekly or every 4 weeks for extensive small-cell lung cancer (JCOG9902-DI).

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and antitumor effect of cisplatin, irinotecan and etoposide combinations on two schedules, arms A and B, for previously untreated extensive small-cell lung cancer (E-SCLC), and to select the right arm for phase III trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were randomized to receive either arm A (cisplatin 25 mg/m(2) day 1, weekly for 9 weeks, irinotecan 90 mg/m(2) day 1, on weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, and etoposide 60 mg/m(2) days 1-3, on weeks 2, 4, 6, 8), or arm B (cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) day 1, irinotecan 60 mg/m(2) days 1, 8, 15, and etoposide 50 mg/m(2) days 1-3, every 4 weeks for four cycles). Prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support was provided in both arms. RESULTS: Full cycles were delivered to 73% and 70% of patients in arms A and B, respectively. Incidences of grade 3-4 neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, infection and diarrhea were 57, 43, 27, 7 and 7%, respectively, in arm A, and 87, 47, 10, 13 and 10%, respectively, in arm B. A treatment-related death developed in one patient in arm A. Complete and partial response rates were 7% and 77%, respectively, in arm A, and 17% and 60%, respectively, in arm B. Median survival time was 8.9 months in arm A, and 12.9 months in arm B. CONCLUSIONS: Arm B showed a promising complete response rate and median survival with acceptable toxicity in patients with E-SCLC, and should be selected for the investigational arm in phase III trials.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

The epidemiology and iatrogenic transmission of hepatitis C virus in Egypt: a Bayesian coalescent approach.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis, and Egypt has possibly the highest HCV prevalence worldwide. In this article we use a newly developed Bayesian inference framework to estimate the transmission dynamics of HCV in Egypt from sampled viral gene sequences, and to predict the public health impact of the virus. Our results indicate that the effective number of HCV infections in Egypt underwent rapid exponential growth between 1930 and 1955. The timing and speed of this spread provides quantitative genetic evidence that the Egyptian HCV epidemic was initiated and propagated by extensive antischistosomiasis injection campaigns. Although our results show that HCV transmission has since decreased, we conclude that HCV is likely to remain prevalent in Egypt for several decades. Our combined population genetic and epidemiological analysis provides detailed estimates of historical changes in Egyptian HCV prevalence. Because our results are consistent with a demographic scenario specified a priori, they also provide an objective test of inference methods based on the coalescent process.

Bayes Theorem↗

PubMed2003

Database of calculated values of retention and excretion for members of the public following acute intake of radionuclides.

Intakes of radionuclides can be estimated from measurements of radioactivity in the whole body or in specific organs or in excreta by comparing them with predicted retention or excretion data calculated using standard biokinetic models. For occupational exposure monitoring, data are presented by ICRP for 29 radionuclides in Publication 78 (1997) and by the authors for 42 radionuclides as electronic look-up tables in Microsoft Excel. In the present work, values of retention and excretion were computed for selected radionuclides inhaled or ingested by members of the public. Graphs were constructed from the computed results showing the predicted monitoring data as functions of time following acute intakes of radionuclides. A graphical database was assembled on the Web site http//www.nirs.go.jp/RPD/ to provide a tool for the interpretation of bioassay measurements.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2003

Chemical composition of chicken eggshell and shell membranes.

This study was undertaken to determine the occurrence of uronic acid in chicken eggshell membranes and to compare chemical compositions among the inner and outer eggshell membranes and the organic matter of eggshell. We report here for the first time the occurrence of uronic acid in chicken eggshell membranes. Uronic acid concentrations were similar (P > 0.05) between the inner shell membrane and outer shell membrane but approximately fivefold higher (P < 0.05) in the organic matter of eggshell. Sialic acid concentrations were the highest (P < 0.05) in the organic matter of eggshell and higher (P < 0.05) in the inner than in the outer shell membrane. Nitrogen concentrations were the lowest (P < 0.05) in the organic matter of eggshell but relatively constant between the two shell membranes. Amino acid analysis showed that the contents of glycine and alanine were higher (P < 0.05) and those of proline and hydroxyproline were lower (P < 0.05) in the organic matter of eggshell compared to shell membranes.

Alanine↗

PubMed2003

The influence of the expanding HIV genetic diversity on molecular diagnosis in the Philippines.

Since the discovery in the Philippines of the first AIDS case in 1984, several subtypes of HIV-1 have been discovered. From the persons diagnosed in the early 1980s only subtype B was found and thereafter other subtypes, C, D, E, and F were also identified although HIV was not particularly prevalent at that time. In this paper, we determine whether the rapid expansion of genetic diversity will influence molecular diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). First, we determine HIV-1 subtype on env (V3) and gag (p24) gene as a means of rapid genetic diversity. Secondly, we tried to analyse and identify homologous regions of gag (p24) gene of HIV genome for diagnostic purposes of designing primers. Out of 46 samples analysed, six subtypes were classified based on gag and env gene subtyping namely: 33 subtype B/B (71.2%), nine subtype A/E and one each subtype C/C, A/B and G/A (2.2% each). As a result, occurrence of non-subtype B and inter-subtype recombinant contributed to expanding genetic diversity. Based on inter- and intra-subtype gag alignment, oligonucleotides (>10 bases in length) could be easily selected as a universal primer to produce the PCR product composed of more than 100bp. This indicates that the PCR technology can be safely used with limited length of primers for the diagnosis of HIV infection in this country.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2003

[Long-term surgical results of total cavopulmonary connection in children with visceral heterotaxy syndrome; comparison between lateral tunnel method and extracardiac conduit method].

We reviewed our 58 experience of total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) for children with visceral heterotaxy syndrome from 1992 to 1999. Surgical results, pre- and post-operative hemodynamics, and the incidence of cardiac-related events were compared between lateral tunnel method (LT) and extra-cardiac conduit method (EC). Overall survival rate was 89.6% in 8 years. Freedom from cardiac-related events was significantly lower in LT method compared with EC method (70.8% vs. 91.3% in 5 years and 67.8% vs. 91.3% in 8 years, p = 0.048). Extra-cardiac conduit TCPC following bi-directional Glenn shunt is the procedure of choice for children with visceral heterotaxy syndrome and functional single ventricle.

Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation↗

PubMed2003

Epidemiological characteristics of acute pulmonary thromboembolism in Japan.

AIM: In Japan, acute pulmonary thromboembolism (APTE) is still rare, but the number of patients with APTE has been steadily increasing. It is important for early diagnosis and early management of APTE to recognize epidemiological characteristics of this condition. METHODS: We investigated the epidemiological characteristics of 252 patients with APTE who were admitted to our institutions between 1975 and 2001. APTE was more prevalent in women that in men. It was observed the most in the age group between 50s to 70s, especially in women. Many patients had prolonged immobilization, recent major operation, obesity, or cancer, as risk factors for venous thromboembolism. One hundred and thirty-eight patients developed APTE in hospital; 60 patients were in Department of Internal Medicine, 28 in General Surgery, 15 in Orthopedics, 15 in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and 20 in other services. RESULTS: Among 58 patients with malignancy, 43% had cancers in digestive organs, 21% in gynecological, and 17% in urological. Among 61 patients who were examined for the presence of thrombophilia, 13 patients had inherited thrombophilia (8 protein C deficiency, 4 protein S deficiency, and 1 antithrombin III deficiency) 11 had antiphospholipid antibodies which indicated thrombophilia. Five out of the above 61 patients (8%) had no obvious risk factors including thrombophilia. CONCLUSION: The findings in our patients were almost the same as those in Western patients, except for some points. These results might be useful to establish a preventive approach for APTE in Japan.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2002

Precise measurement of liquid viscosity and surface tension with an improved oscillating drop method.

An improved oscillating drop method was developed to measure the surface tension and viscosity of a liquid without any external forces under microgravity conditions. The combination of a drop levitation system, a laser backlight system, and a line sensor enables the properties to be measured precisely. The surface tension value from 68.9+/-4.3 mN/m to 71.8+/-4.5 mN/m and the viscosity value of 0.92x10(-3) Pa s were obtained at 23.5 degrees C for pure water. These values agreed quite well with the reported value.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Isolation of an Acinetobacter sp. ST-550 which produces a high level of indigo in a water-organic solvent two-phase system containing high levels of indole.

Acinetobacter sp. strain ST-550 was isolated from fumus soil as an efficient indigo producer in the presence of organic solvent. The minimum inhibitory concentration of indole was 0.4 mg/ml for ST-550. ST-550 produced only a small amount of indigo (less than 0.01 microg/ml) when grown in the presence of indole at concentrations of 0.05 to 0.3 mg/ml without any organic solvent. However. ST-550 produced indigo effectively when grown in the presence of a large volume of diphenylmethane and a high level of indole: optimized conditions were 3 ml of a medium containing 0.3 ml diphenylmethane and 2.7 mg indole. Under these conditions, ST-550 produced 0.88 mg indigo (292 microg/mI medium).

Acinetobacter↗

PubMed2002

Further evidence for the decay K+ -->pi+nu(nu).

Additional evidence for the rare kaon decay K+-->pi+nu(nu) has been found in a new data set with comparable sensitivity to the previously reported result. One new event was observed in the pion momentum region examined, 211 pi+nu(nu)) = 1.57(+1.75)(-0.82)x10(-10).

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Gas6 rescues cortical neurons from amyloid beta protein-induced apoptosis.

Gas6, a product of the growth-arrest-specific gene 6, protects neurons from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis. Neuronal apoptosis is also caused by amyloid beta protein (Abeta), whose accumulation in the brain is a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease. Abeta induces Ca(2+) influx via L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (L-VSCCs), leading to its neurotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated effects of Gas6 on Abeta-induced cell death in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. Abeta caused neuronal cell death in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Gas6 significantly prevented neurons from Abeta-induced cell death. Gas6 ameliorated Abeta-induced apoptotic features such as the condensation of chromatin and the fragmentation of DNA. Prior to cell death, Abeta increased influx of Ca(2+) into neurons through L-VSCCs. Gas6 significantly inhibited the Abeta-induced Ca(2+) influx. The inhibitor of L-VSCCs also suppressed Abeta-induced neuronal cell death. The present cortical cultures contained few non-neuronal cells, indicating that Gas6 affected the survival of neurons directly, but not indirectly via non-neuronal cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Gas6 rescues cortical neurons from Abeta-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the present study indicates that inhibition of L-VSCC contributes to the neuroprotective effect of Gas6.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

PubMed2002

LET distributions from CR-39 plates on Space Shuttle missions STS-84 and STS-91 and a comparison of the results of the CR-39 plates with those of RRMD-II and RRMD-III telescopes.

The LET distributions during the Space Shuttle missions STS-84 (altitude 270-412 km, average 375 km; inclination angle, 51.6 degrees) and STS-91 (altitude 328-397 km, average 373 km; inclination angle, 51.6 degrees) were measured using CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors. A correction for the dip-angle dependence of the track-formation sensitivity of the CR-39 plates was applied to the data analysis. The absorbed doses and the dose equivalents around RRMD Detector Units, estimated from the LET distributions in the LET region of 4-200 keV/micrometers, fluctuated with standard deviations of +/- 21% to +/- 35% in both flight experiments. The LET distributions obtained from the CR-39 plates agreed well with that obtained from RRMD-II in STS-91. However, the particle fluxes obtained from RRMD-III in STS-84 and STS-91 were two or three times higher than those obtained from RRMD-II and the CR-39 plates. It was concluded that the LET distributions obtained from RRMD-II and the CR-39 plates in the present flight experiments did not include the contribution of target-fragmented secondary heavy particles produced by low-LET particles, such as relativistic or semi-relativistic protons and helium ions, whereas RRMD-III was able to detect these secondary particles because of its low triggering level.

Cosmic Radiation↗

PubMed2002

Unique alignment and texture of biological apatite crystallites in typical calcified tissues analyzed by microbeam X-ray diffractometer system.

Preferential orientation of biological apatite (Ap) crystallites in typical calcified tissues of rabbit ulna, rabbit skull, and monkey dentulous mandible was investigated using a microbeam X-ray diffractometer, with a beam spot of 100 microm in diameter, to clarify relationship between the Ap orientation and mechanical function. Preferential alignment of the c-axis of the biological Ap was evaluated by the relative intensity between (002) and (310) diffraction peaks. Preferential alignment of biological Ap in each calcified tissue varied depending on the shape and stress condition in vivo; that is, the c-axes of biological Ap in the rabbit ulna and the rabbit skull bone were preferentially observed as a one-dimensional orientation along the longitudinal axis and a two-dimensional orientation along the surface, respectively. Precise analysis of the preferential alignment along the skull surface showed an elliptical distribution of the c-axis of biological Ap elongating along the suture inside the skull surface of both lamina exterior and interior. The c-axis of biological Ap in a monkey dentulous mandible basically aligned along the mesiodistal direction in the flat bone, but this alignment changed along the normal direction to the flat bone surface parallel to the biting direction near the tooth, due to the force of mastication. It was concluded that the microscale measurement of biological Ap texture is one of the useful new methods for evaluating mechanical function and stress distribution in vivo in calcified tissues.

Animals↗