Biomedical subjects

T Ota

Publications and source records attributed to T Ota.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Inhibition of metastasis by a dialysable factor in fetal bovine serum in B16 melanoma cells.

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented to the culture medium inhibited the metastasis of B16BL6 melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. This metastasis-inhibiting activity was accompanied by growth-promoting activity, up to the concentration of 10% FBS. However, among the clones isolated from B16BL6 cells, there were clones in which FBS significantly inhibited the metastasis without promoting their growth. Dialysis (cutoff M.W. 8000 Da) removed the metastasis-inhibiting activity but not the growth-promoting activity from FBS. These results indicate that FBS has metastasis-inhibiting activity which is independent of growth-promoting activity, and that the metastasis-inhibiting activity is carried by molecules removed by dialysis.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

A third Ig light chain gene isotype in Xenopus laevis consists of six distinct VL families and is related to mammalian lambda genes.

Xenopus laevis is a unique model for studying the ontogenetic development of immune functions. A short primer PCR amplification method was employed to amplify fragments from Xenopus genomic DNA that are related to Ig light chains and TCR. One fragment was identified that appeared to represent a novel type of light chain and was used as a probe to recover the corresponding cDNA from a spleen cDNA library. We designate these light chains type III. Using an iterative screening procedure, six families of VL genes, two distinct JL and two distinct CL sequences, were identified. In a comparison of phylogenetically diverse light chains, the type III genes align with higher vertebrate lambda genes. Southern blot hybridization analyses with genomic DNA from different animals showed the VL and CL sequences to be both diverse and polymorphic. Intrafamily sequence comparisons of VL genes revealed additional diversity. Collectively, these studies confirm the existence of a third type of light chain gene in Xenopus, establish a high degree of genetic variation in the sequences encoding the light chain V regions, and provide the most significant evidence to date for the presence of a lambda-like light chain gene at the phylogenetic level of the amphibians.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Different metastatic potentials of ras- and src-transformed BALB/c 3T3 A31 variant cells.

The metastatic phenotype of tumor cells is thought to be induced by an aberrant signaling cascade or cascades that are different from those required for tumorigenicity. Oncogene-transfected cells with different tumorigenicities and metastatic potentials have been used to identify such pathways and responsible molecules. However, oncogenes that can induce tumorigenicity in recipient cells also frequently induce the metastatic phenotype at the same time. The difficulty in obtaining cell lines that are tumorigenic but not metastatic has hampered such studies. In this report, we transfected the activated c-Ha-ras oncogene into BALB/c 3T3 A31 variant cells and found that the transfectants were tumorigenic but they did not form metastatic lung modules in the experimental metastasis assay. The phenotype was very stable and was maintained during cultivation. On the other hand, the metastatic potentials of either the transfected cells or the original variant cells could be induced by transfection of the v-src oncogene. The src transfectants formed extensive nodules in lung when injected into the tail veins of congeneric mice. The cell motility of the metastatic src transfectants on Matrigel-coated dishes was greater than that of the ras transfectants. The src transfectants were also invasive in Matrigel when analyzed on a filter. These variant cells transformed by the ras and src oncogenes will be a useful system for identifying the signaling cascades responsible for the metastatic potential of tumors.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1996

A rare case of multiple atherosclerotic aneurysms involving the femoral artery.

Atherosclerotic aneurysm of the deep femoral artery is a rare peripheral aneurysm that is likely to have associated aortoiliac aneurysms. The case of a patient who had five atherosclerotic aneurysms located in the abdominal aorta, bilateral common iliac arteries, and the left common femoral and deep femoral arteries is reported. He underwent a semi-emergency operation for the aneurysm of the deep femoral artery, followed by a two-stage operation for the aortoiliac aneurysms. The aneurysm of the deep femoral artery was repaired, and reconstruction of the distal deep femoral artery successfully performed with direct anastomosis to the superficial artery. In this report, the clinical presentation of multiple atherosclerotic aneurysms and the details of surgical reconstruction are described.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Measurements by biphasic changes of the alpha band amplitude as indicators of arousal level.

The objective of this study was to develop a method of measuring arousal level by examining the change rates with activation of the alpha band amplitude using the concept of the inverted U-shaped pattern of transition of this amplitude. We investigated change rates by inspecting the electroencephalogram, and we evaluated their correlations with a criterion index of the arousal level (a reaction time measure), and other relevant basic parameters in 14 normal volunteers. In order to confirm that alpha band amplitude change followed an inverted U-shaped curve, we examined the transition of that index in a resting-and-relaxing condition. In the third session, the change rates upon stimulation and after resting had positive and negative correlations, respectively, with the reaction time measure, verifying that they are 'negative' and 'positive' arousal level indices. Further examinations were conducted for the third session. The change rates upon stimulation and after resting had negative correlations with each other. Neither of them had a significant correlation with the alpha band amplitude. Neither alpha band frequency, alpha band amplitude, or theta band amplitude, all of which are regarded as indices for intra-subject arousal level transition, had any significant correlation with the reaction time measure. These results revealed that the change rates of the alpha band amplitude are better indices for inter-individual arousal level variation than other conventional indices.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Functional assessment of patients with spinal cord injury: measured by the motor score and the Functional Independence Measure.

There is some information about the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), but there are a few publications dealing with the relationship between the FIM score and the motor score of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). We have studied the relationship of all FIM items with the motor score, and reviewed the disability of patients with spinal cord injury in greater detail. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of impairment and disability in patients with SCI, using the FIM and motor score of the ASIA. The subjects were 100 inpatients with SCI (Frankel A, B). Neurological level, days from the onset, and the FIM were examined. In addition to these items, the ASIA motor scores were calculated for 22 tetraplegic patients. We investigated the relationships among these various respects. We also examined the changes of the physical items of the FIM score (physical FIM) over time for 18 patients. The mean FIM scores of those with tetraplegia with C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 lesions, and those with paraplegia with above T5 levels, and those below T6 were 35, 61, 82, 90, 116, 114 and 114 respectively. The FIM score reached the plateau in approximately 10 months, 6 months and 3 months post-injury, in tetraplegia, paraplegia above T5 and that below T6 respectively. The FIM scores in C6 patients were widely distributed from 56 to 104. On the other hand, the ASIA motor score could subdivide C6 patients and related well to the FIM score. The mean FIM scores for each neurological level were similar to those previously reported, thus they appeared to be plateau scores. With regard to the motor score, we feel that it could reflect the disability of the patients better than considering the neurological levels alone. Also considering the changes in the physical FIM score over time within a year from the onset of the injury, there were differences in the ADL improvement patterns among patients with different neurological levels. It appears that timing of the highest physical FIM improvement for each neurological level can exist. Thus it is important not to delay the start of the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury in proper time.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1996

Decreased connexin32 and a characteristic enzyme phenotype in clofibrate-induced preneoplastic lesions not shared with spontaneously occurring lesions in the rat liver.

Two different types of focal preneoplastic lesions, tentatively named Type I and II lesions, were recognized in the liver of rats chronically treated with clofibrate for 104 weeks. Type I lesions were characterized by mostly negative glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity (6 out of 10, 60%) and positive expression of succinate dehydrogenase (10 out of 10, 100%), in addition to the previously documented complete lack of expression of glutathione S-transferase, placental form (GST-P) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Furthermore, most importantly, Type I lesions exhibited a clear decrease in immunohistochemically demonstrated connexin32 (Cx32) spot counts on their hepatocyte membranes, similarly to nitrosamine-induced lesions. In contrast, Type II lesions, mostly small in size and positively expressing GST-P and/or GGT and G6PD, similarly to their previously reported nitrosamine-induced counterparts, did not exhibit a significant decrease in Cx32 count. In addition, spontaneously occurring lesions, again sharing the same enzyme phenotype, did not show a decrease in Cx32. The results indicate that: (i) a clear distinction between the two lesions, with Type I being involved in clofibrate-induced tumors and Type II being more likely to be spontaneous in nature; (ii) a decrease in Cx32 is closely linked to lesion development and possibly stage of progression, irrespective of the enzyme phenotype and the applied carcinogen; (iii) the unaltered condition of Cx32 may suggest a slow growing or non-progressive nature.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Characterization of two mannose-binding protein cDNAs from rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta): structure and evolutionary implications.

Mannose-binding proteins (MBPs), members of the collectin family, have been implicated as lectin opsonins for various viruses and bacteria. Two distinct but related MBPs, MBP-A and MBP-C, with approximately 55% identity at the amino acid level, have been previously characterized from rodents. In humans, however, only one form of MBP has been characterized. In this paper we report studies elucidating the evolution of primate MBPs. ELISA and Western blot analyses indicated that rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys have two forms of MBP in their sera, while chimpanzees have only one form, similar to humans. Two distinct MBP cDNA clones were isolated and characterized from a rhesus monkey liver cDNA library. Rhesus MBP-A is closely related to the mouse and rat MBP-A, showing 77% and 75% identity at the amino acid level, respectively. Rhesus MBP-A also has three cysteines at the N-terminus, similar to mouse and rat MBP-A and human MBP. Rhesus MBP-C shares 90% identity with the human MBP at the amino acid level and has three cysteines at the N-terminus, in contrast to two cysteine residues found in rodent MBP-C. A stretch of nine amino acids close to the N-terminus, absent in both mouse and rat MBP-A, but present in rodent MBP-C, chicken and human MBPs, is also found in the rhesus MBP-A. The phylogenetic analysis of rhesus and other mammalian MBPs, coupled with the serological data suggest that at least two distinct MBP genes existed prior to mammalian radiation and the hominoid ancestor apparently lost one of these genes or failed to express it.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Successful radical surgery for an undifferentiated gallbladder carcinoma with lymph node metastases to the mesocolon.

We report successful radical systematic surgery for an undifferentiated gallbladder carcinoma with metastasis to the mesocolonic lymph nodes. The patient, a 70-year-old woman, was admitted with abdominal fullness and appetite loss. Imaging modalities revealed a 10-cm tumor originating from the gallbladder and infiltrating both the liver and transverse colon. As multiple mesocolonic lymph node metastasis was confirmed on laparotomy, right hemicolectomy with systematic lymph node dissection (D3 resection) was performed, in addition to extended cholecystectomy with partial resection of segments 4, 5 and 6 of the liver and distal gastrectomy. Histologically, the tumor was diagnosed as an undifferentiated carcinoma, and metastases were indentified in the mesocolonic lymph nodes (17/50 nodes) but not in the peri-gallbladder lymph nodes (0/16 nodes). The patient has been recurrence-free for 4 years after the operation. This case illustrates that even if gallbladder cancer infiltrates into adjacent organs with regional lymph node metastasis, it is of value to perform radical surgery with systematic lymph node dissection for the involved organs.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

The effect of cold stress on UVB injury in mouse skin and cultured keratinocytes.

The effect of cold stress on skin damage caused by UVB irradiation was investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Ear skin of mice that had been exposed to cold stress at 0 degree C for 20 min and at 5 degrees C for 24 h was exposed to UVB radiation. Sunburn cell production was less in mice exposed to the lower temperature. In addition, the effect of cold stress on the survival rate of UVB-irradiated rat keratinocytes was examined in a cytotoxicity test, with the results showing that keratinocytes exposed to cold stress of 0 degree C had a higher survival rate than control cells. To pursue a promising clue for explaining the result, we examined metallothionein (MT) production in rat keratinocytes that had been exposed to cold stress at 0 degree C. Microfluorometric quantification showed a positive correlation between the time course and the intensity of immunofluorescence for MT, indicating that the molecule is inducible by exposure to cold stress in our experimental system. These results suggest that epidermal cells that have been exposed to cold stress maintain a higher resistance to UV radiation than nonexposed controls in vivo and in vitro, and that MT with radical-scavenging activity might contribute, at least in part, to photoprotection against UVB-induced oxidative damage in mammalian skin.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

[A case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis accompanied with Aspergillus meningitis].

A 53-year-old female was admitted to our hospital complaining of chest pain and gait disturbance. Examinations on admission showed that she was immunocompetent except the negative tuberculin test. The chest X-ray showed infiltrative shadows with old tuberculous lesions in the bilateral upper lung fields. In CT, a mass lesion was revealed in the lesion, which destructed the fifth thoracic vertebra and invaded into the epidural space. She died of meningitis on the 18th day after admission. On autopsy, it was made clear that the mass lesion was caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, and that the meningitis was the result of the invasion of the fungus into the epidural space.

Aspergillosis↗

PubMed1996

Clinical and angiographic analysis of congenital coronary artery fistulae in adulthood. Is there any new trend?

Fifteen (2.1%) patients were diagnosed as having congenital coronary artery fistula (CAF) in a consecutive series of 704 adult patients undergoing selective coronary arteriography; the incidence was astonishingly higher than previous observations. The presentation of clinical symptoms and the electrocardiographic changes at rest and/or after exercise testing probably attributable to the CAF were observed unexpectedly often in spite of the fact that the magnitude of the shunt seemed not to be significant. With respect to the anatomy of the CAF, the incidence of origination from plural coronary arteries and that of fistulation into the left ventricle were also unexpectedly high. These observations presented a striking contrast to those of previous reports, but we were unable to determine the reason. In four cases, the CAF was ligated either electively or concurrently with mitral valve surgery, and the results were satisfactory. Taking these circumstances into consideration, we should not minimize the impact of a CAF with a seemingly small shunt.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Continuous measurement of tissue oxygen and carbon dioxide gas tensions in dog liver in ischemia/reperfusion.

An experiment was conducted to determine whether the oxygen and carbon dioxide gas tensions in liver tissue (PtO2 and PtCO2, respectively) reflect the state of microcirculation and/or metabolism in the ischemic liver. Subjects were divided into three groups: group 1, 30 min ischemia; group 2, 60 min ischemia; group 3, four times of intermittent 15 min ischemia after every 10 min of reperfusion. PtO2, PtCO2 and tissue blood flow (TBF) were measured by mass spectrometry, comparatively studied with the serum GOT level as an indicator of liver tissue damage. Furthermore, the time point at which the PtCO2 increase for 1 min initially became less than 1/2 of the maximum value was located on the transit curve of PtCO2, referred to as the critically anaerobic (CA) point, with which new indices of critically anaerobic score (CAS) and time (CAT) (see details in text) were developed. The profiles of PtO2 and PtCO2 during ischemia and reperfusion were clearly demonstrated, and the CA point was observed 12.7 +/- 2.9 min after induction of ischemia. PtO2 was positively correlated with TBF and negatively with the serum GOT level. Furthermore, not only CAS but also CAT were significantly correlated with PtO2, TBF, and the serum GOT level. It was concluded that PtCO2 reflects the state of anaerobic tissue metabolism during ischemia and PtO2 reflects the magnitude of microcirculatory disturbance and tissue injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion. Therefore, continuous monitoring of not only PtO2 but also PtCO2 is beneficial for patients undergoing hepatic surgery with ischemia.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

[A study of the relation between clinical prognostic factors and the estimated tumor growth speed in superficial bladder cancer].

(BACKGROUND). We studied the dynamic estimation of biological activity to evaluate stage progression using clinical findings of the superficial bladder cancer. (METHODS). From 1983 to 1993, 111 patients who underwent transurethral resection initially. 54 (48.6%) cases showed tumor recurrences at least once were estimated the tumor growth speed, dividing the total amount of tumor volume of summing all tumors at a certain recurrence with the duration between recurrences, and which was compared with various prognostic factors of the superficial bladder cancer. The Prognostic factors included age, sex, frequency of recurrences, tumor's number, tumor's size, stage, histological grade, shape, intravesical treatment and duration to recurrence from the last transurethral resection. (RESULTS). Seven (13%) cases showed disease progression in the sense of tumor stage (T2 < ) out of 54 recurrent patients. The tumor growth speed during one episode of recurrence was not statistical different between any factors. However, the average of tumor growth speed, which was calculated based on all episodes of recurrences, was statistically different (the cases with stage progression versus without : P < 0.05) between the cases with and without stage progression. (CONCLUSION). The results suggested that the dynamic estimation of biological activity of the superficial bladder cancer has a potential to be an important prognostic factor to determine the stage progression of the disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

A nonradioactive method for improved restriction analysis and fingerprinting of large P1 artificial chromosome clones.

The P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) cloning system is very useful for physical mapping, however, the large insert sizes cause difficulty in routine restriction analysis. In order to facilitate restriction mapping and fingerprinting, we have developed a simple, nonradioactive method for end-labeling and detection of restriction fragments from PAC clones. This method is very easy to implement, gives good differentiation of restriction fragments, and uses comparatively small amounts of DNA. We have used this method for restriction analysis of PAC clones containing inserts from human as well as from lower vertebrates. The method should also be applicable to other large-insert plasmid systems.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Three-dimensional bone scintigraphy using volume-rendering technique and SPECT.

UNLABELLED: Three-dimensional bone scintigraphic images were made and their usefulness and limitations discussed. METHODS: After usual bone scan procedures, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) data were taken and reconstructed into three-dimensional images. Volume rendering methods were used. RESULTS: Three cases of three-dimensional bone scintigraphy were obtained; one of a normal patient, one of a case of transplanted kidney and incomplete fracture of the left femoral head, and one of a case of degenerative joint disease (DJD) on the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The three-dimensional structure of the skeletal system was depicted more clearly by the three-dimensional images than by a conventional bone scan. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional bone scintigraphs were thought to provide additional information for better understanding of the nature of bone lesions. Some technical improvements including automated threshold level determination and feature extraction for detecting abnormal high uptake are required before routine use can be envisaged.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

TCR gamma delta + T cells in peripheral blood of patients with adult Still's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Adult Still's disease, a systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, shows few specific laboratory markers and histological features. We investigated T cell subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of patients with adult Still's disease to elucidate immunological features of the disease. METHODS: We studied T cell subsets in PBL of 12 patients with adult Still's disease by flow cytometric analysis. T cell subsets were also investigated for more than 6 months in PBL of 3 patients with adult Still's disease. RESULTS: Both the percentage and absolute number of T cell receptor gamma delta positive (TCR gamma delta +) T cells in active adult Still's disease (n = 6) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in inactive adult Still's disease (n = 6), inactive rheumatoid arthritis (n = 8), or healthy controls (n = 20). An increase of TCR gamma delta + T cells was observed in 5 of 6 patients with adult Still's disease at the active phase. TCR gamma delta + T cells also increased for a considerable period in all the patients tested. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the other T cell subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, TCR alpha beta) between all the patients and healthy donors. Levels of TCR gamma delta + T cells in PBL correlated well with those of serum ferritin and C-reactive protein in one of the 3 patients whose PBL could be serially investigated. These increased TCR gamma delta + T cells mostly consisted of a V gamma 9/V delta 2 subset. CONCLUSION: TCR gamma delta + T cells in PBL are significantly increased in the active phase in patients with adult Still's disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Perioperative management in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing open heart surgery].

Perioperative management of patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing open heart surgery (3 males and 1 female, mean age 57.3 years) was evaluated. All 4 patients had NYHA class III acquired valvular heart disease accompanied by severe tricuspid regurgitation, and the operation was a redo operation in 3 of them. Preoperatively, the total serum bilirubin was 1.7 mg/dl, ICGR15 24.3 +/- 1.7%, and blood platelet count was 83,000 +/- 19,000/m3. The postoperative course was uneventful in 2 patients who maintained good cardiac function and did not require homologous blood transfusion. The other two patients who underwent a re-redo operation, sustained a large volume of hemorrhage, and required massive transfusion showed severe postoperative complications (respiratory failure in 1, multiple organ failure in 1). The stage of the disease improved to NYHA class I in all 3 patients who survived the operation. Comprehensive measures including avoidance of massive hemorrhage, preservation of the hepatic blood flow, resolution of hepatic congestion, and prevention of complications such as digestive tract bleeding, infections, and renal failure are considered to be needed for prevention of postoperative liver failure. Especially, sufficient surgical hemostasis and autologous platelet rich plasma were useful for prevention of massive hemorrhage.

Bioprosthesis↗