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Biomedical subjects

T Takayanagi

Publications and source records attributed to T Takayanagi.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

[Motor reorganization in the motor cortex].

Plasticity within the human central motor system has been studied with transcranical magnetic stimulation in patients with peripheral and central nervous diseases. In 4 patients with a complete upper limb palsy due to traumatic cervical root avulsion, surgical anastomosis of intercostal to musculocutaneous nerves was performed to restore function in the biceps brachii muscle. The motor unit discharges became independent from respirations gradually over 1 to 2 years. Motor cortex mapping of the reinnervated biceps muscle showed a gradual change over 4 to 33 months from the area of the intercostal muscles to that of the arm area, which was more lateral on the motor cortex. These findings suggest that reorganization of the motor cortex to arm flexor muscles occurs following peripheral nerve anastomosis. In 8 patients with chronic cerebral infarction with hemiplegia. Four of 8 patients did not show MEPs in paralytic hand muscles by contralateral cortex stimulation, but showed small MEPs by ipsilateral cortex stimulation. These cases had the huge cortical infarction unilaterally in CT. Another four of 8 patients showed small MEPs in paralytic hand muscles by contralateral cortex stimulation, but no MEPs by ipsilateral cortex stimulation. These cases had the subcortical infarction unilaterally in CT. These findings suggest that reorganization of motor cortex following unilateral cerebral infarction.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

[A study of heel-knee tapping test in cerebellar ataxia by a motion measurement system].

It is often difficult to estimate slight alterations in the severity of ataxia by bed-side neurological examinations. We analyzed the heel-knee tapping test, which has often been used as a standard bed-side examination to check incoordination in lower limbs, using a new motion measurement system "video/computer motion measurement system". We studied 9 normal controls and 21 patients with spinocerebellar degenerations (SCD). In patients with SCD, the up-and-down motion range of the heel was variable and the heel moved in the anterior-and-posterior direction, because of knee sways during the test. Following oral administration of TRH analogue, TA-0910, above-mentioned findings were clearly improved. Analysis of spatial and time elements of the knee joint demonstrated quantitative improvement. Therefore, an effect of TA-0910 on incoordination of the lower limbs could be proved objectively by a computer motion measurement system.

Adult↗

Synthesis of N-acetylglucosamine-modified ara-C and its effect on ovarian cancer cells.

1-beta-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) was modified by reaction of tetra-N-acetylchitotetraose ((GlcNAc)4) using the transglycosylation activity of thermostable chitinase (EC 3.2.1.14) from Bacillus licheniformis X-7u. The structure of the modified ara-C was determined to be either beta 1-3'- or beta 1-5'-linked GlcNAc-ara-C or (GlcNAc)2-ara-C. The total yield of these glycosylated ara-Cs was about 10%. GlcNAc-ara-C and (GlcNAc)2-ara-C depressed the growth of G-401 cancer cells, while 5-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (Gal-ara-C) had no effect on G-401 cells.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Novel structures of N-linked high-mannose type oligosaccharides containing alpha-D-galactofuranosyl linkages in Aspergillus niger alpha-D-glucosidase.

Seven oligosaccharides were isolated from alpha-D-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.20) from Aspergillus niger, and the structures of these oligosaccharides were studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy. After treatment of the alpha-D-glucosidase with N-glycosidase F, seven major oligosaccharide peaks were detected by Dionex anion-exchange HPLC. The structures corresponding to the three peaks OS-1, OS-2, and OS-4 were determined to be Man8GlcNAc2, Man9GlcNAc2, and GlcMan9GlcNAc2, respectively, from 1H NMR spectra of the isolated fractions. Each of the four oligosaccharides OS-5, OS-6, OS-7-1, and OS-7-2 contained an alpha-D-galactofuranosyl residue (Galf) linked to Man(A) via an alpha-(1-->2)-linkage. OS-7 was found to consist of two oligosaccharides. The structures of these four oligosaccharides were determined to be GalfMan5GlcNAc2, GalfMan6GlcNAc2, GalfMan7GlcNAc2, and GalfMan8GlcNAc2 by 1H NMR spectroscopy and compositional analysis. The Galf structure of GalfMan5GlcNAc2 was found to be identical to that of an oligosaccharide previously isolated from the alpha-D-galactosidase of the same strain. The structure of OS-3 remains undetermined.

Aspergillus niger↗

Sweat function in Parkinson's disease.

Sweat function was studied in patients with Parkinson's disease and in normal adults by sympathetic skin response, the bromphenol blue printing method and the silicone mould method. In patients with Parkinson's disease, dysfunction of sweating was classified into two types: one type involved the postganglionic fibres and the other involved the preganglionic fibres or the central nervous system. The latter was observed in patients with milder disease and the former was observed in patients with severe disease. The progressive involvement of sweat function in Parkinson's disease may reflect spread from the central nervous system or preganglionic fibres to postganglionic fibres. In a few patients the results of sweat tests were normal. Ceruletide increased sweating in Parkinson's disease patients, and decreased the prolonged latency of the sympathetic skin response. It is hypothesized that ceruletide facilitates the preserved somatosympathetic reflex of sweating.

Aged↗

Association of vascular endothelial growth factor expression with tumor angiogenesis and with early relapse in primary breast cancer.

Angiogenesis is an independent prognostic indicator in breast cancer. In this report, the relationship between expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; a selective mitogen for endothelial cells) and the microvessel density was examined in 103 primary breast cancers. The expression of VEGF was evaluated by immunocytochemical staining using anti-VEGF antibody. The microvessel density, which was determined by immunostaining for factor VIII antigen, in VEGF-rich tumors was clearly higher than that in VEGF-poor tumors (P < 0.01). There was a good correlation between VEGF expression and the increment of microvessel density. Furthermore, postoperative survey demonstrated that the relapse-free survival rate of VEGF-rich tumors was significantly worse than that of VEGF-poor tumors. It was suggested that the expression of VEGF is closely associated with the promotion of angiogenesis and with early relapse in primary breast cancer.

Base Sequence↗

An outbreak of group B streptococcus infection in a neonatal nursery and subsequent trial for prophylaxis of nosocomial transmission.

An outbreak of sepsis and meningitis caused by group B streptococcus occurred in three very low birthweight infants. To prevent further nosocomial transmission, immune globulin and ampicillin sodium were administered intravenously to other very low birthweight infants. After this prophylaxis, no other infants were involved in this outbreak. Immuno- and chemoprophylaxis may be considered as procedures to prevent nosocomial infection for very low birthweight infants.

Ampicillin↗

Spinocerebellar degenerations in Japan: a nationwide epidemiological and clinical study.

A nationwide survey of patients in Japan with spinocerebellar degenerations (SCD), including SDS and SND, was conducted from 1988 to 1989. The survey consisted of two parts. The first revealed that the estimated total number of patients with SCD in Japan was 5,050 (range: 4,100-6,000) with an estimated prevalence of 4.53 per 100,000 in 1987. The second part investigated the neurological and functional status of patients with SCD. The percentages of those belonging to each subtype of SCD were: OPCA; 34.4%, LCCA; 15.2%, MHCA; 12.6%, HHCA; 7.5%, SDS; 7.0%, HSP; 3.9%, DRPLA; 2.5%, FA; 2.4%, MJD; 2.0% and SND; 1.5%. Compared with European epidemiological studies Japan had a higher proportion of non-hereditary types of SCD. Various clinical features of SCD subtypes were compared grouped by pathological lesion and heredity. HHCA and LCCA: cerebellar ataxia predominated in all stages, and neurological signs other than cerebellar ataxia were rare. MHCA, DRPLA and MJD: in the early phase ataxia was the most common symptom in MHCA, the AC form of DRPLA and MJD, but ataxia was less common and chorea or epilepsy were often observed in ME and PH forms of DRPLA. Other frequently observed clinical features were parkinsonian rigidity in MHCA, abnormal movements and posture in DRPLA and MJD, and disturbances of eye movements in MHCA, the AC form of DRPLA and MJD. OPCA, SDS and SND: dominant clinical features were cerebellar ataxia in OPCA, autonomic disturbance in SDS, and parkinsonian rigidity in SND. FA and HSP: both were rare in Japan. Clinical features related to supra-supinal lesions were frequently observed in FA. Functional status of SCD: the severity of illness was significantly associated with the level of independence in each item of ADL. Activities not requiring dynamic balance were performed independently for a longer period than those requiring dynamic balance. Among SCD subtypes, functional prognosis was poorest in non-hereditary, multi-systemic types (OPCA, SDS and SND) followed by hereditary multi-systemic types (MHCA, DRPLA and MJD), and better in spinal types (FA and HSP) and cerebellar types (HHCA and LCCA).

Activities of Daily Living↗

Role of protein kinase C-mediated pathway in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm in a swine model.

BACKGROUND: The intracellular mechanism of coronary artery spasm is still unknown. The pathway mediated by protein kinase C (PKC) is an important intracellular process of various cellular responses, including vascular smooth muscle contraction. Thus, we examined the role of the PKC-mediated pathway in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm in our in vivo swine model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven Göttingen miniature pigs underwent coronary balloon injury and x-ray irradiation to induce atherosclerotic lesion. After 6 to 18 months, intracoronary serotonin (3 micrograms/kg) or histamine (3 micrograms/kg) repeatedly induced coronary artery spasm at the atherosclerotic site. At the spastic site, intracoronary administration of phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) (10(-9) mol/kg), a PKC-activating phorbol ester, also induced coronary artery spasm, which was completely blocked by pretreatment with intracoronary staurosporine (10 micrograms/kg), a PKC inhibitor. Intracoronary administration of an inactive phorbol ester, phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (10(-9) mol/kg), did not induce coronary vasoconstriction. Coronary artery spasm induced by the autacoids was significantly augmented by pretreatment with intracoronary PDBu and partially inhibited by staurosporine. Intracoronary administration of Bay K 8644 (10 micrograms/kg), a dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type calcium channel agonist, also induced coronary artery spasm at the spastic site, which was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with intracoronary staurosporine or nifedipine (0.1 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest (1) the PKC-mediated pathway is importantly involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm, (2) activation of the PKC-mediated pathway partially accounts for serotonin- and histamine-induced coronary artery spasm, and (3) at the spastic site, calcium influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type calcium channel and/or calcium sensitivity of the contractile proteins may be augmented by the PKC-mediated pathway.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Pulsed magnetic stimulation and F waves in Parkinson's disease.

Twenty-two patients with Parkinson's disease with predominantly unilateral signs in the upper extremities were studied by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation. The mean central motor conduction time (CMCT) on the clinically affected side determined by F wave technique was significantly shorter (p < .01) than that of the other side at rest. However, the mean CMCT during slight voluntary contraction was not significantly different in the two sides. Amplitudes of motor evoked potentials and F waves tended to be higher on the clinically affected side than on the other side. We conclude that reduced CMCT and high F wave amplitudes reflect hyperexcitability of the anterior horn cells in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Adult↗

[Contamination of hot water supply in office buildings by Legionella pneumophila and some countermeasures].

An assessment of the contamination by Legionella species of hot water supplied to office buildings was made based on 80 samples of water from 3 types of systems as follows: 20 samples supplied from instantaneous heaters, 20 samples from hot water storage type systems, and 40 samples from circulation type systems. Legionella spp. were detected in two samples (10.0%) from hot water storage systems and five samples (12.5%) of the circulation type. The number of Legionella spp. was 2.0 x 10-8.4 x 10(2) CFU/500 ml. All isolated strains were identified as Legionella pneumophila. All hot water samples with Legionella spp. showed a temperature range from 41-55 degrees C. Contamination may easily occur in hot water storage and circulation type systems, due to their presence for prolonged periods. Hot water may be therefor be a source of Legionnaires' disease. It is clear from the present study that Legionella spp. survived over long periods and proliferated considerably. Elimination of this organism requires careful cleaning of hot water storage tanks but this alone may not be sufficient. Heat treatment for 20 hours at 70 degrees C was found to be adequate for complete elimination. Experimentally, complete sterilization from Legionella spp. within 5 minutes was demonstrated by heating at 60 degrees C. As a countermeasure temperature of hot water should be maintained at more than 55 degrees C, as the best means for elimination while also giving consideration to the prevention of scalding.

Hot Temperature↗

[Distribution of androgen receptors in bulbo-spinal muscular atrophy].

Immunohistochemical staining with anti-androgen receptor (AR) antibody was performed in skeletal muscle specimens obtained from 3 cases with bulbo-spinal muscular atrophy (BSMA) and 12 cases with other neuromuscular disease. Anti-AR antibody staining was found exclusively in the muscle nuclei of Type 2A fibers in all of the 3 cases. But there was no positive staining in the muscle nuclei of other disease. As above mentioned, very specific immuno-staining of AR in skeletal muscle would be of benefit to diagnosis of BSMA in addition to identification of a mutation of AR gene.

Adult↗

Ceruletide therapy in action tremor following thalamic hemorrhage.

Two men, aged 63 and 71 years, developed a gross action tremor and dysesthesias several months after an intracerebral hemorrhage. CT and MRI showed a small hemorrhage in the posterior region of the lateral nucleus of the thalamus in each patient. The tremor occurred on movement, had frequencies of 2.5-4.5 Hz and the amplitude varied depending on the joint position of the limb. Ceruletide (a cholecystokinin analog) 0.8 micrograms/kg i.m. produced a marked reduction in the action tremor and improved motor function. This effect appeared 10-15 min after the injection, and lasted for up to 4 weeks. It is suggested that ceruletide may be of value in the treatment of action tremors following a thalamic lesion.

Aged↗

[Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (Ohtahara syndrome) with poly-microgyria].

A boy, born after normal pregnancy and delivery, began to have fits at 3 days. The seizures were composed of tonic or tonic-clonic convulsions at the upper extremities but myoclonus was absent. These attacks were not easy to control. There was gross developmental delay. Laboratory investigations were almost normal except for cerebrospinal fluid: pleocytosis and high protein content. EEG showed "suppression-burst" and MRI revealed high signal intensity in the left temporo-occipital region on T2 weighted image. At three and a half months of age, EEG changed into hypsarrhythmia. The child died at 5 months of age. At post mortem neuropathological examination, the cortical ribbon in the bilateral parieto-occipital regions appeared thick, as if there were pachygyria. Microscopically polymicrogyria was noted in these areas as well as in the insular cortex. This lesion showed a symmetrical distribution. The cytoarchitectonic features of the polymicrogyric cortex did not consist of 4 layers. The other structures of the central nervous system were almost devoid of lesion. The number of clinico-pathological reports on Ohtahara's syndrome is very limited and the etiopathogenesis of polymicrogyria is discussed.

Brain↗

[A refined evaluation of cerebellar ataxia and its application to treatment of spinocerebellar degeneration].

A two-dimensional analysis of cerebellar ataxia was performed by using video-computer motion measurement system, PEAK, which has been developed and produced by U.S.-Japan-Chatanuuga Co., Ltd. The analyses of gait, heel-knee tapping test, finger-nose test and heel-knee test were made on 23 cases of spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) as compared with the 9 healthy. The cases of SCD included olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA), hereditary OPCA, late cortical cerebellar atrophy (LCCA), hereditary LCCA, Joseph disease and dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy. The results of analyses by the computer demonstrated slow movement of gait, decrease of flexion angle at knee joint at the swing phase of the gait. Heel-knee test revealed irregular, dysrhythmic movements of heel. The interval of the tapping showed great variance and its standard deviation of the average was found to be increased. And the average values were so increased as to implement slow movements of the heel. These above-mentioned findings were also observed in the tests of finger-nose and heel-knee as well. Oral intake of TA0910, TRH derivative, which was synthesized and produced by Tanabe pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. in Japan improved slow movements of the tests. Disorders of range, direction, and rate of the movements, as usually observed in the patient of ataxia, could be well recognized to be alleviated following the administration and the effects were statistically significant. Application of the computerized instrument to analysis of ataxia would be very beneficial in the neurological bed-side clinical examination.

Adult↗