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Biomedical subjects

T Okabe

Publications and source records attributed to T Okabe.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Antimicrobial activity and metalloprotease inhibition of hinokitiol-related compounds, the constituents of Thujopsis dolabrata S. and Z. hondai MAK.

Gamma-thujaplicin, beta-dolabrin and hinokitiol(beta-thujaplicin), hinokitiol-related compounds isolated from the wood of Thujopsis dolabrata S. and Z. hondai MAK have antimicrobial activity. In particular, strong antibacterial activity of hinokitiol and beta-dolabrin on Staphylococcus epidermidis IFO-12993 was found, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.2 microg/ml. This activity was higher than that of gentamicin, used as a positive control, and so the strong antibacterial activity of both compounds on this bacterium is of considerable interest. Of the three compounds, gamma-thujaplicin showed the strongest antifungal activity and its MIC was found to be around 1.5 microg/ml. The three compounds also inhibited metalloproteases. The inhibitory activity of hinokitiol on carboxypeptidase A was especially strong, its 50%-inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 2.76x10(-6) M. Considering that metalloproteases are involved in inflammation, the strong inhibitory activity of hinokitiol could be important. On the other hand, hinokitiol-acetate did not show any antimicrobial activity and metalloprotease inhibition, suggesting that at least part of the activity is due to metal chelation between the carbonyl group at C-1 and the hydroxyl group at C-2 in the tropolone skeleton.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1999

Dandy-Walker syndrome successfully treated with cystoperitoneal shunting--case report.

A neonate presented with Dandy-Walker syndrome manifesting as a large posterior cranial fossa cyst, aplasia of the lower cerebellar vermis, and elevation of the confluence of the sinuses but without hydrocephalus. A cystoperitoneal shunt was placed at one month after birth. The cyst diminished in size, and marked development of the cerebellar hemispheres and descent of the confluence of sinuses were observed, but not vermis development. The primary pathology of Dandy-Walker syndrome is posterior cranial fossa cyst formation due to passage obstruction in the fourth ventricle exit area and aplasia of the lower cerebellar vermis. The first choice of treatment in patients with Dandy-Walker syndrome in whom the cerebral aqueduct is open is cystoperitoneal shunt surgery, regardless of the presence or absence of hydrocephalus.

Arachnoid Cysts↗
PubMed1999

Strength and microstructure of gallium alloys.

This study investigated the physical and mechanical properties and the microstructure of four different gallium alloys. For all gallium alloys, the compressive strengths measured at one hour (86-223 MPa) and 24 hours (265-286 MPa) after specimen preparation were found to be well within the range exhibited by many high-copper amalgams. The creep values and dimensional change of the gallium alloys were comparable to those of leading amalgams, except for the dimensional change value of one alloy. The set gallium alloys consisted of a multi-phase structure including beta-Sn, CuGa2, In4Ag9, Ag72Ga28, and Ga5Pd (except for one product that did not contain Pd) that was more complicated than the structure of dental amalgams. Although the gallium alloys had physical and mechanical properties comparable to those of high-copper amalgams, the microstructure, coupled with the instability of the element gallium itself, could make these materials more prone to corrosive attack compared to amalgams.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

[Public health nurses' disaster responses for intractable neurological patients at home].

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the 1995 Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake experience of the local public health nurses. The purpose of the study was to identify problems regarding assistance of intractable neurological patients at home during and after the earthquake and to discuss ways to improve future local disaster responses by public health nurses for those patients. METHODS: Approximately 2 hours of a group interview of public health nurses from 2 public health centers in Kobe City was conducted in August, 1996. Interview data was collected via audio-tape and transcribed. The data was organized according to phases of the earthquake. The acute phase of the earthquake disaster ended within 72 hours. The data was then analyzed to identify problems in assisting intractable neurological home patients in order to discuss disaster responses by public health nurses. RESULTS: There was a delay in confirming the safety of and providing needed assistance for intractable neurological patients at home by public health nurses. During the first 3 days after the earthquake, the majority of public health nurses were unable to commute to work due to the shutdown of transportation systems. In addition, nurses, who were able to come to work, were preoccupied with treating earthquake casualties and distributing medical supplies. Other factors associated with the delay included the following: lack of a registration list for intractable neurological patients at home; lack of close contacts between public health nurses and patients, and between public health nurses and patient support groups; and sparing nurses for guiding volunteers and for coordinating between shelters and hospitals. CONCLUSION: Measures to improve future disaster responses are as follows: a) teaching patients and their families how to safeguard against disaster; b) preparing registration lists; c) establishing support networks and cooperating with network members; and d) upon disaster, assigning some nurses to assess the needs of patients.

Disaster Planning↗
PubMed1999

[The role of nitric oxide in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats].

The relationship between nitric oxide (NO) and blood pressure (BP) in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats (DOC) was investigated. Although urinary NO2- + NO3- (NOx) excretion (UNOxV) increased 2 weeks after surgery (2W-DOC), UNOxV decreased 4 weeks after surgery (4W-DOC) compared with that of the control. BP and UNOxV did not change in DOC after treatment with L-arginine (Arg-DOC). Aorta from 4W-DOC and Arg-DOC had significantly decreased relaxation responses to acetylcholine. Deendothelialized aorta from 4W-DOC and Arg-DOC had significantly decreased relaxation responses to lipopolysaccharide. These data suggest that: 1) transient increase of NO synthesis is accompanied by elevation of BP, but long-term elevation of BP decreases NO synthesis in endothelium and smooth muscle cells; 2) L-arginine supplement has no effect on the development of hypertension nor on NO production by endothelium and smooth muscle cells in DOC.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1999

[Effect of combination chemotherapy with multiple drugs (FLMP therapy) based on the circadian rhythms of the human body in advanced recurrent gastric cancer].

Combination chemotherapy with multiple drugs (FLMP therapy), in which the drugs were determined based on biochemical modulation and the dosing schedule was established in accordance with the circadian rhythms of the human body, was performed in cases of advanced recurrent gastric cancer. The drugs were administered according to the following schedule: 500 mg of 5-FU (continuous) on days 1-5 (the dose was increased during the night), 20 mg of LV on days 1-5 (at 6 PM), 2 mg of MMC on day 5 (at 9 AM) and 60-80 mg of CDDP on day 5 (at 6 PM). A five-day course was administered by intravenous drip or hepatic arterial infusion at intervals of 4 weeks. Of 14 patients treated, the effect was estimated to be CR in 3, PR in 6, NC in 3, and PD in 2. The effectiveness rate was 62.3% overall, and the rate by administration route was 6/10 (60.0%) for i.v. and 3/4 (75.0%) for i.a. The side effects were slight. Those of grade 3 or more included anorexia in 5%, nausea and vomiting in 1%, stomatitis in 1% and leukopenia in 1%. This therapy, administered in accordance with the theory of chronotherapy, caused few side effects, and thus is considered a promising treatment for gastric cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Angioplasty/bypass combination therapy in an 89-year-old man with left main trunk disease.

We report a case of an 89-year-old man presenting with unstable angina and left main trunk disease. Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting supplemented by catheter intervention was successfully performed. In view of the increasing elderly population, angioplasty/bypass combination therapy may be an important alternative for elderly coronary artery disease patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Acinic Cell Adenocarcinoma Arising in the Breast of a Young Male: A Clinicopathological, Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study.

A 23-year-old man with acinic cell adenocarcinoma of the breast is reported. He presented with a 4.8 x 4.2 cm mass in his left breast, and excisional biopsy was performed. Under the light microscope, tumor cells had abundant periodic acid-Schiff-positive secretory granules and eosinophlic cytoplasms. Electron microscopy revealed the granules to have various electron densities, a finding characteristic of acinic cell adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were stained with salivary-type amylase. Electron microscpic and immunohistochemical investigation greatly facilitated the diagnosis of this acinic cell adenocarcinoma, which was in an unusual location. We believe this is the first case report of acinic cell adenocarcinoma of the mammary gland studied utilizing light microscopic, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical techniques.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Successful predilation of a resistant, heavily calcified lesion with cutting balloon for coronary stenting: a case report.

A 65-year-old man with a restenotic lesion of the mid LAD was scheduled for Wiktor stent placement. The IVUS revealed circumferential severe calcification. Two conventional, non-compliant angioplasty balloons inflated to high pressures failed to achieved sufficient dilatation and both ruptured. At this point, we selected high pressure inflation of the Cutting Balloon. The Cutting Balloon achieved adequate dilation for stenting and proved to be useful in predilating a circumferential, heavily calcified lesion.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Function of aberrant EGFR in malignant gliomas.

The most common alteration of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in human malignant gliomas is an in-frame deletion of exon 2-7 from the extra-cellular domain. To study the relationship between the expression of this aberrant EGFR and cell proliferation, as well as apoptosis in malignant gliomas, we have developed U-87MG cell transfectants that express the aberrant (mutant-type) or normal (wild-type) EGFR. We analyzed cell number, tumor volume, and MIB-1 positive rate as proliferation markers, and found that in tissue culture, tumors derived from U-87 MG cells (mutant-type) have the same proliferative activity as those derived from U-87 MG cells (wild-type). However, when cells expressing mutant EGFR were implanted into nude mice subcutaneously, the tumorigenic capacity was much enhanced. We also found that the apototic index of tumors derived from U-87 MG cells (mutant-type) was less than 0.1%, whereas that of wild-type tumor was 1%. These results suggest that aberrant EGFR affects the malignancy of glioma by stimulating proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Intergranular bridges in the anterior pituitary cell and their possible involvement in Ca2+-induced granule-granule fusion.

Quick-freeze deep-etch electron microscopy showed the presence of bridge-like structures between adjacent secretory granules in rat anterior pituitary secretory cells. These intergranular bridges were variable in length and thickness. The finest bridges were 7-8 nm in length, while the longest ones were as long as 80 nm. Annexin II, one of the Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins, is known to interlink between two membranes and induce aggregation of liposomes and chromaffin granules under the presence of Ca2+. In anterior pituitary cells, annexin II was detected by immunoelectron microscopy at the contact sites of secretory granules with other granules. The anterior pituitary cells treated under the presence of extracellular Ca2+ with Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin which induces Ca2+ influx showed multigranular exocytosis, i.e., multiple fusions of secretory granules with each other and with the plasma membrane. The granule-granule fusion in progress could be captured by the quick-freeze deep-etch technique. The membranes of adjacent secretory granules were partially fused at their contact sites where intergranular strands were no longer seen, while there existed intergranular strands between unfused portions of the granule membranes. From these results, we consider that the intergranular bridges, some of which may be composed of annexin II, are involved in Ca2+-induced granule-granule fusion in anterior pituitary cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

A novel splicing mutation in the ceruloplasmin gene responsible for hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency with hemosiderosis.

Hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency with hemosiderosis (aceruloplasminemia) is a newly recognized autosomal recessive disorder of copper-iron metabolism due to mutations in the ceruloplasmin (Cp) gene. We report here a novel mutation in the Cp gene in a 54-year-old Japanese woman with this disease. She showed clinical triad; diabetes mellitus, retinal degeneration and neurological disorder in her middle age. Laboratory findings were characteristic for no detectable serum ceruloplasmin and increased serum ferritin. Liver biopsy revealed excessive storage of iron in hepatocytes and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was indicative of increased iron content in the basal ganglia, thalamus and dentate nucleus. The a-->g substitution at the splice acceptor site of the intron 6 (1209-2) caused a 8-bp deletion in Cp mRNA by defective splicing, resulting in a premature termination codon at the amino acid position 388. Truncation of Cp, even if effectively translated, may cause loss of its normal function because of drastic change in its triangular structure.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1998

Evaluation of left ventricular volume using automatic border detection in children: a comparison with conventional off-line echocardiographic quantification.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the clinical usefulness of the one-line automatic border detection system for determination of left ventricular volume in children in comparison to the conventional off-line method. METHODS: Eighty consecutive patients in whom clear images were obtained by two-dimensional echocardiography were studied. Using the Hewlett-Packard Sonos 2500 with a 3.5 or 5.5 Mhz phased array transducer, all patients were studied in the apical four-chamber imaging plane for automatic border detection and apical four-chamber and two-chamber imaging planes for manual tracing. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were measured and compared using the bi-plane Simpson method. RESULTS: Left ventricular end-diastolic volumes obtained by automatic border detection correlated well but were slightly underestimated compared to those obtained by manual tracing (r = 0.98). Left ventricular end-systolic volumes obtained by automatic border detection also correlated well with those obtained by manual tracing (r = 0.96). Left ventricular ejection fractions compared favorably. However, left ventricular volumes obtained using the classical Pombo M-mode echocardiography showed poorer correlation with those obtained by manual tracing methods. CONCLUSIONS: Automatic border detection is a promising method for real-time estimation of left ventricular volume. In patients with good endocardial tracking, automatic border detection can be used for routine studies of cardiovascular disease, even in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Nur77, a member of the steroid receptor superfamily, antagonizes negative feedback of ACTH synthesis and secretion by glucocorticoid in pituitary corticotrope cells.

Nur77 is a member of the steroid receptor superfamily and is known to be expressed in animals under stress. We studied the role of nur77 in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during the stress response using a murine pituitary corticotrope cell line, AtT-20. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), a stress mediator in the HPA axis, induced the expression of nur77 transiently in AtT-20 cells. Gel shift assay showed that nur77 bound to negative glucocorticoid responsive element (nGRE) in the promoter of the human proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene and the formation of the nur77-nGRE complex increased after treatment of the cells with CRH. Negative GRE is known to be necessary for the negative regulation by glucocorticoid of the POMC gene expression. In stable transformants of AtT-20 cells expressing a human homolog of nur77, NAK-1, at a high level, glucocorticoid-mediated inhibition of both POMC mRNA induction and ACTH secretion was significantly lower than that in the NAK-1-non-expressing cells (P < 0.001). These results strongly suggest that nur77 antagonizes the negative feedback effect of glucocorticoid on the synthesis and secretion of ACTH in pituitary corticotropes. This suggests that nur77 plays an important role in the pituitary gland in the biological adaptation to overcome stress.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1998

Application of random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis for detection of Salmonella spp. in foods.

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) band patterns from 23 Salmonella spp. produced by use of an oligonucleotide primer (called du primer) designed on the basis of the N-terminal sequence of dulcitol 1-phosphate dehydrogenase (5'-GTGGTGACCCAGGATGGCCAGGTG-3') were different from those from 16 non-Salmonella spp. The bands at 460 and 700 bp were produced in all Salmonella strains tested. These RAPD fragments obtained from Salmonella typhimurium strongly hybridized with the corresponding RAPD bands from the other strains of Salmonella, but not with those from non-Salmonella spp. in Southern blot analysis. The RAPD bands were detected by ethidium bromide staining even when genomic DNA prepared from as few as 2.8 x 10(3) cells was used. The minimum detectable cell number in the initial inoculum of S. typhimurium was 4 x 10(-1) CFU/25 g of raw beef after the preenrichment in Enterobacteriaceae enrichment mannitol (EEM) broth for 6 h and the selective enrichment in dulcitol-magnesium chloride-pyridinesulfonic acid-brilliant green-novobiocin (DMPBN) medium for 18 h at 42 degrees C. Seven raw foods inoculated with S. typhimurium at numbers from 4 x 10(-1) to 2.6 x 10(2) CFU/25 g of food were positive in both the RAPD analysis and the conventional culture method.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1998

[Functional role of nur77 family in T-cell apoptosis and stress response].

Nur77 is an orphan member of the steroid receptor superfamily (nuclear receptor). Nur77 family consists of three subtypes and the subtypes show functional redundancy. Nur77 family plays an important role in the apoptotic process of negative selection of T-cells. Moreover, nur77 seems to play a pivotal role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) during stress response. Nur77 antagonizes the negative feedback effect on the production and secretion of ACTH by glucocorticoid in corticotrope cells of the pituitary gland.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗