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Biomedical subjects

T Tani

Publications and source records attributed to T Tani.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

[Histologic occurrence of Barrett's carcinoma].

It is generally agreed that the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus is justified when the columnar epithelium 3 cm or more from the E-C junction is involved. Microscopically, the epithelium has three distinct appearances: (1) gastric fundic type; (2) junctional type: and (3) specialized columnar type. In mucin histochemistry in 6 cases of Barrett's carcinoma, 5 cases of Barrett's esophagus were positive for HID-AB. Four cases of Barrett's carcinoma were also positive. These results suggest that Barrett's carcinoma developed from the specialized columnar type of Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett Esophagus↗

The fission yeast prp10(+) gene involved in pre-mRNA splicing encodes a homologue of highly conserved splicing factor, SAP155.

In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, 14 prp (pre-mRNAprocessing) mutants have been isolated to date. We cloned the prp10(+) gene by complementation of the temperature-sensitive growth of prp10. Five types of transcripts were found that were alternatively spliced with respect to two possible introns located in the 5'-terminal region. Three of them are probably functional and code for putative proteins of approximately 1200 amino acids. Proteins highly homologous to Prp10p are present in other organisms, one of which is a human spliceosome-associated protein SAP155, a subunit of the splicing factor complex SF3. The C-terminal two-thirds of Prp10p is highly conserved among species, and contains consensus repeats for the regulatory subunit A of protein phosphatase PP2A. A gene disruption experiment indicated that the prp10(+) gene is essential for viability in S.pombe. Prp10p tagged with GFP is predominantly localized in the nuclear DNA region. A series of deletions showed that the less conserved N-terminal region of approximately 300 amino acids in Prp10p is dispensable, although the corresponding region was thought to play important roles in the mammalian splicing system.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Eight calves cloned from somatic cells of a single adult.

Eight calves were derived from differentiated cells of a single adult cow, five from cumulus cells and three from oviductal cells out of 10 embryos transferred to surrogate cows (80 percent success). All calves were visibly normal, but four died at or soon after birth from environmental causes, and postmortem analysis revealed no abnormality. These results show that bovine cumulus and oviductal epithelial cells of the adult have the genetic content to direct the development of newborn calves.

Animal Husbandry↗

pH dependence of the reaction rate of p-bromophenacyl bromide and of the binding constants of Ca2+ and an amide-type substrate analog to bovine pancreatic phospholipase A2.

pH dependence of the chemical reaction rates of p-bromophenacyl bromide (BPB) and of the binding constants of Ca2+ to bovine pancreatic active- and pro-phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) was studied at 25 degrees C and ionic strength 0.2. The pH dependence curves of the reaction rates of BPB with both enzymes were biphasic. The amino acid residues participating in the two transitions were ascribed to His 48 and the N-terminal alpha-amino group for the active enzyme and to His 48 and Arg -1 for the proenzyme. The pH dependence curve of Ca2+ binding to the active enzyme was interpreted in terms of participation of Asp 49, His 48, and the alpha-amino group. On the other hand, the curve for the proenzyme was interpreted in terms of participation of Asp 49, His 48, and Arg -1. The Ca2+ and pH dependence of the binding constant of a potent competitive inhibitor, monodispersed (R)-2-dodecanoylamino-1-hexanol-phosphocholine (amide-PC), to bovine pancreatic active-PLA2 was also studied. The binding of amide-PC was markedly facilitated by Ca2+ binding to the enzyme, whereas that of a genuine substrate, monodispersed 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (diC6PC), was independent of Ca2+ binding. The pH dependence curve of the binding constant of the amide-PC showed one transition, and this was interpreted in terms of participation of His 48, whereas the binding of the diC6PC was independent of the ionization state of His 48. The difference in the Ca2+ dependence for the bindings of the diC6PC and amide-PC was considered to arise from the fact that the amide group of amide-PC can form a hydrogen bond with His 48, whereas the genuine substrate cannot form such a hydrogen bond.

Acetophenones↗

Cloning and characterization of a human DEAH-box RNA helicase, a functional homolog of fission yeast Cdc28/Prp8.

During the splicing process, spliceosomal snRNAs undergo numerous conformational rearrangements that appear to be catalyzed by proteins belonging to the DEAD/H-box superfamily of RNA helicases. We have cloned a new RNA helicase gene, designated DBP2 (DEAH-boxprotein), homologous to the Schizosaccaromyces pombe cdc28(+)/prp8(+) gene involved in pre-mRNA splicing and cell cycle progression. The full-length DBP2 contains 3400 nucleotides and codes for a protein of 1041 amino acids with a calculated mol. wt of 119 037 Da. Transfection experiments demonstrated that the GFP-DBP2 gene product, transiently expressed in HeLa cells, was localized in the nucleus. The DBP2 gene was mapped by FISH to the MHC region on human chromosome 6p21.3, a region where many malignant, genetic and autoimmune disease genes are linked. Because the expression of DBP2 gene in S.pombe prp8 mutant cells partially rescued the temperature-sensitive phenotype, we conclude that DBP2 is a functional human homolog of the fission yeast Cdc28/Prp8 protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Non-peptide inhibitors of HCV serine proteinase.

We screened a chemical library of 2000 compounds for inhibitors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) serine proteinase using an in vitro screening method measuring the hydrolysis of the peptide substrate. Three compounds were found to be the most potent inhibitors (IC50 < 10(-5) M). Two of them had a similar structure, that of halogenated benzanilide, and were not inhibitory for common serine proteinases. They inhibited the enzyme non-competitively with the substrate. Together with the result of the analogous compounds in the chemical library, the presumed structural requirements of the inhibition are pointed out.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Oligodendroglioma of the "widespread" type in the spinal cord.

The authors present clinical, radiological, and pathological features of the "widespread" type of primary spinal oligodendroglioma arising in a 12-year-old boy. The initial symptoms were gait disturbance, hypesthesia of the lower trunk, and scoliosis. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intramedullary tumor with syringomyelia. The tumor spread rapidly in a "widespread" pattern within the spinal cord between C7 and T12. One year after surgery the patient had made a poor neurological recovery despite the two-stage tumor resection. Only five cases of widespread tumors, including our case, have been described with discussion of their clinical manifestations.

Child↗

Vertical stab wound to the lumbo-sacral spinal canal: report of a case.

A 63-year-old man was stabbed by an iron bar in the perineum. On admission, the external aspect of this wound appeared to be only a tiny hole. However, the bar had penetrated the rectum, sacrum, and lumbar spinal canal up to the third lumbar vertebral body. This patient was eventually treated with sacral wound drainage, a closure of the rectal wound, and pelvic drainage. Lumbar surgery was not performed because computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not show a progression of inflammatory changes in either the lumbar canal or perispinal hollow caused by the iron bar during the hospital stay. The clinical, CT, and MRI findings thus provided important information in the diagnosis and treatment of stab wounds.

Drainage↗

Lipomatosis of the ileum with volvulus: report of a case.

We herein present a patient with lipomatosis of the ileum including diverticulosis and volvulus. The patient presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. Preoperatively, we diagnosed lipomatosis with volvulus of the ileum based on the findings of abdominal ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). During surgery, the dilated ileum had rotated 720 degrees counterclockwise, and was found to contain lipomatosis and multiple diverticula. Although lipomatosis of the small bowel is extremely rare, it does show characteristic US and CT findings, thus making a preoperative diagnosis possible if this disease is included in the differential diagnosis.

Adult↗

Effects of a urinary trypsin inhibitor on acute circulatory insufficiency after surgical operation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of an urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) on a surgical stress, particularly the influences on cytokines and diuretic hormones. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with carcinoma of the digestive system and predicted to suffer from circulatory insufficiency were enrolled. Selection of group was divided alternatively. UTI was administered for 5 consecutive days, at a dose of 300,000 units per day. Urine and blood specimens were collected before, immediately after, and 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery. Interleukin 8 (IL-8), polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase (PMNE), vasopressin (ADH), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), angiotensin II (AT-II), and endothelin 1 (ET-1) in the blood, and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in the urine, were determined. RESULTS: A UTI group was 9 patients, and a control group was 7 patients. The operation time was significantly longer in the UTI group than in the control group. In the UTI group, the elevation of IL-8, PMNE/WBC, ADH, urinary NAG, and BUN were significantly inhibited. AT-II and ET-1, in the UTI group, tended to be suppressed, and ANP showed the similar changes in the two groups. CONCLUSION: UTI is considered effective in the prevention of excessive reaction against major surgery.

Angiotensin II↗

Role of carotid body in pressure response of pulmonary circulation in rats.

We investigated how signals arising from peripheral chemoreceptors could affect pulmonary vasculature in rats. Effects of the hypoxic exposure (10%) on mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), abdominal aortic flow (Q) and the estimated total pulmonary vascular resistance (mPAP/Q) were determined in anesthetized, artificially ventilated, carotid sinus nerve intact or chemodenervated rats. The pressor response of PAP to hypoxia seen in intact rats changed to the depressor response after chemodenervation. Hypoxia elicited a decrease in Q and an increase in mPAP/Q in both intact and chemodenervated rats. Selective carotid body stimulation by the intra-carotid injection of sodium cyanide (NaCN) in normoxia elicited an immediate but transient increase in PAP and Q before and after bilateral vagotomy. The peak change in PAP slightly preceded that in Q. These responses to NaCN were completely abolished by chemodenervation. These results indicate that the immediate chemoreflex contributes to the short-term regulation of pulmonary vasculature in rats.

Animals↗

Waveform analysis of spinal somatosensory evoked potential: paradoxically enhanced negative peaks immediately caudal to the site of conduction block.

OBJECTIVES: We studied waveform changes associated with a focal conduction block in compression myelopathies. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients underwent serial intervertebral recording of spinal somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) after epidural stimulation. The site of compression identified by abrupt reduction in size of the negative peak was designated as '0' level with the other levels numbered in order of distance assigning a minus sign caudally. RESULTS: Considering the response recorded at '-4' as baseline (100%), SSEPs showed a progressive increase rostrally, reaching an average of 154% in amplitude and 216% in area at '-1' followed by an abrupt decline to 32% and 31% at '0'. The incremental change of the negative peak was accompanied by a small reduction in area of the initial positive component to 90% at '-1' considering the value at '-4' as baseline (100%). CONCLUSIONS: The theory of solid angle approximation and the concept of phase cancellation best explain the apparently paradoxical enhancement of the negative peak which characterize typical waveform changes at the site of conduction block.

Adult↗

Actions of the novel oral antidiabetic agent HQL-975 in insulin-resistant non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus model animals.

The hypoglycemic effects of a novel oral antidiabetic agent HQL-975, were studied in normal rats, streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZD) rats and genetically insulin-resistant non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) model animals, KK-Ay mice and Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. After the dietary administration of HQL-975 to KK-Ay mice, significant decreases in plasma glucose, insulin, triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid levels were observed. The effective dosage of HQL-975 to decrease the plasma glucose level by 30% was 3.1 mg/kg per day. However, the plasma glucose level was not altered after the administration of HQL-975 in normal and STZD rats. The results suggest that HQL-975 is more effective against the abnormalities of glucose and lipid metabolism of insulin-resistant model animals than in that of normal and insulin-deficient diabetic animals. It is reported that ZDF rats indicate a severely diabetic state as a result of insulin resistance and further the presence of beta-cell insulin secretory defects. Here, HQL-975 (1-30 mg/kg per day for 7 days) was administered to ZDF rats; slight decreases in the plasma glucose (18%) and lipids (41%) levels were observed in the rats given 30 mg/kg. To clarify the action mechanism of HQL-975, we studied the effects of HQL-975 administration on the insulin action of target tissues in KK-Ay mice. After the dietary administration of HQL-975 (0.001, 0.003, 0.010% for 7 days) to KK-Ay mice, hepatic glycolytic and gluconeogenic key enzyme activities were measured. The glucose 6-phosphatase activity was decreased (20-40%) as compared with control. The results suggest that HQL-975 enhances the insulin action in hepatic enzyme regulation. To investigate the actions of HQL-975 in peripheral tissues such as muscle and adipose, an in vivo glucose uptake study using 3H-2-deoxyglucose was performed in KK-Ay mice treated with HQL-975 (0.010% for 7 days). The 2-deoxyglucose uptake of the basal state was not altered, but the insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake in muscle (41-191%) and adipose (46-88%) tissues was increased by the HQL-975 treatment as compared with control. These results suggest that HQL-975 also enhances the insulin action of peripheral tissues. Based on these findings, HQL-975 is expected to be useful for treatment of insulin-resistant patients with NIDDM.

Administration, Oral↗

Effect of probucol on smooth muscle cell proliferation and dedifferentiation after vascular injury in rabbits: possible role of PDGF.

We previously reported a clinical study in which probucol reduced the restenosis rate. The mechanism of this effect is unclear. Restenosis is characterized by neointimal hyperplasia caused by proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which increases the expression of Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A and SMemb. SMemb, a non-muscle-type myosin heavy chain most predominantly expressed in embryonic smooth muscle, can be used as a good molecular marker for dedifferentiated SMC. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of probucol on neointimal proliferation and the level of expression of PDGF-A and SMemb after balloon injury in rabbits. Probucol was given orally 1.3 g/d from 2 weeks prior to carotid balloon injury to the time of killing (2 or 4 weeks after balloon injury). Intimal area was determined histologically using a computerized morphometry program. For quantification of SMC proliferation, alpha-actin-positive cells and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-labeled cells were counted. The expression of PDGF-A and SMemb mRNA was analyzed by the RNase protection assay. SMemb expression was also examined by immunohistochemistry. Probucol remarkably decreased intimal area by 70% and the number of SMC and PCNA-labeled cells in the intima. The expression of PDGF-A mRNA was significantly increased after balloon injury in untreated rabbits, whereas it was markedly suppressed with probucol treatment. The expression of SMemb was significantly increased in injured arteries at mRNA and protein levels. However, probucol did not suppress SMemb expression. Probucol is effective in preventing SMC proliferation, which is possibly due to a decrease in the expression of PDGF.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗

Therapeutic apheresis for septic patients with organ dysfunction: hemoperfusion using a polymyxin B immobilized column.

A prospective clinical study was performed to evaluate a new method of treatment of endotoxin shock, a column containing polystyrene fibers with covalently bound immobile polymyxin B. Direct hemoperfusion using the column removes circulating endotoxin by adsorption. All of the patients studied, 37 in the treatment group and 33 in the control group, had endotoxemia and failure of 1 or more organs. The perfusion was performed 1-7 times per patient, 2 h/session. The survival rate was significantly higher in the treatment group (54%) than in the controls (36.4%). The mean plasma endotoxin concentration was significantly lowered by the treatment from 83.7 pg/ml before perfusion to 56.4 pg/ml immediately after and 28.5 pg/ml the day after the treatment, and the posttreatment level was much lower in those who survived (mean, 18.8 pg/ml) compared to those who died (mean, 88 pg/ml). Various parameters of cardiac function also improved after the treatment.

Adolescent↗

Hepatoprotective activity of phenylethanoids from Cistanche deserticola.

Four phenylethanoids isolated from the stems of Cistanche deserticola, acteoside (1), 2'-acetylacteoside (2), isoacteoside (3) and tubuloside B (4), significantly suppressed NADPH/CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. Addition of them to primary cultured rat hepatocytes efficiently prevented cell damage induced by exposure to CCl4 or D-galactosamine (D-GalN). Acteoside (1) further showed pronounced anti-hepatotoxic activity against CCl4 in vivo.

Animals↗