Biomedical subjects

Norio Kobayashi

Publications and source records attributed to Norio Kobayashi.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

OmicBrowse: a browser of multidimensional omics annotations.

UNLABELLED: OmicBrowse is a browser to explore multiple datasets coordinated in the multidimensional omic space integrating omics knowledge ranging from genomes to phenomes and connecting evolutional correspondences among multiple species. OmicBrowse integrates multiple data servers into a single omic space through secure peer-to-peer server communications, so that a user can easily obtain an integrated view of distributed data servers, e.g. an integrated view of numerous whole-genome tiling-array data retrieved from a user's in-house private-data server, along with various genomic annotations from public internet servers. OmicBrowse is especially appropriate for positional-cloning purposes. It displays both genetic maps and genomic annotations within wide chromosomal intervals and assists a user to select candidate genes by filtering their annotations or associated documents against user-specified keywords or ontology terms. We also show that an omic-space chart effectively represents schemes for integrating multiple datasets of multiple species. AVAILABILITY: OmicBrowse is developed by the Genome-Phenome Superbrain Project and is released as free open-source software under the GNU General Public License at http://omicspace.riken.jp.

Chromosome Mapping↗

PubMed2004

A perfused rat brain model maintaining the connection between the central and peripheral nervous systems.

We have developed a new perfused brain model in rats. In this model, the cerebral circulation is separated from the systemic circulation, while the connections between the central and peripheral nervous systems are preserved. After bilateral common carotid, external carotid and vertebral artery ligation, bilateral common carotid arteries were cannulated to infuse rinsed human type O red blood cells mixed with modified Ringer's solution. To drain cerebral venous blood, external jugular veins were cannulated. Normal electrocortical activities were observed on electroencephalograms (EEGs) for more than 1h after the beginning of the perfusion. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were also recorded. Direct infusion of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) into the brain induced epileptic discharges on the EEGs and active dilation of cerebral arterioles, which was accompanied by an increase in systemic blood pressure (BP). The present model, in which we can change cerebral blood flow (CBF) and/or cerebral metabolism without directly affecting the systemic circulation, will provide a new approach to brain research.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Clinical validity of the interactive and low-dose three-dimensional dento-alveolar imaging system, tuned-aperture computed tomography.

Based on technical studies and clinical examinations, the clinical value of a new three-dimensional dento-alveolar imaging system, Tuned-Aperture Computed Tomography (TACT), were examined for dental applications. TACT is a conventional and low-cost tomosynthesis method in which the benefit of digitization is fully utilized. The clinical information yield of TACT has been examined for the detection of dental caries, periodontal defects and radicular fractures, and also for the pre-surgical assessment of implant placement and impacted teeth. In this article, we introduce basic TACT technology, review the literature pertaining to in vitro and in vivo studies, and describe the outline of our study of TACT to determine its clinical value in the assessment of impacted maxillary teeth.

Child↗

PubMed2003

Histologic diagnosis and management of hypothalamic tumors in children by the use of newly developed flexible neuroendoscopes.

Hypothalamic tumors are difficult to treat surgically, and chemotherapy and/or radiation are given based on the histology and the neuraxis staging of the tumors. We have developed flexible neuroendoscopes (Yamadori-type 8 and 9) which have excellent image quality and maneuverability as well as capabilities for biopsy and electrocoagulative debulking of the cystic tumors. We report the successful application of the neuroendoscopes to 10 children with hypothalamic tumors diagnosed with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Histologic diagnosis was obtained from all the patients. Cystic tumors were evacuated, hydrocephalus managed with endoscopic operations, and some benign tumors were removed totally. The relatively non-invasive approach reported here would represent a significant technical advance in the diagnosis and management of hypothalamic and other ventricular tumors.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Wide clinical variability in a family with a CACNA1A T666m mutation: hemiplegic migraine, coma, and progressive ataxia.

We report a Japanese family carrying a T666M missense mutation of CACNA1A. Affected members demonstrated a strikingly wide clinical spectrum including migraine, hemiplegia, coma, and progressive cerebellar ataxia. Despite such variability of the clinical features, they demonstrated similar magnetic resonance imaging findings demonstrating cerebellar atrophy predominantly of the cerebellar vermis. These magnetic resonance images appeared not to correlate with clinical severity. Our findings should indicate that a T666M mutation of CACNA1A may be associated with more variable clinical features and that paroxysmal hemiplegic migraine attacks and progressive cerebellar atrophy should have distinct mechanisms of pathogenesis.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[A novel model of perfused rat brain with intact nervous system].

To obtain a model system, useful in brain research, we have developed a new perfused brain model in rats. In this model the cerebral circulation is separated from the systemic circulation, while the connection between the central and peripheral nervous system is preserved. After the external carotid and vertebral arteries were ligated, bilateral common carotid arteries and external jugular veins were cannulated. Rinsed human O-typed red blood cells and modified Ringer's solution were injected using two infusion pumps, and the venous blood was drained. The infusion rate was adjusted to achieve normal cerebral blood flow (CBF) of rats (the control state). Normal electrocortical activities were observed on electroencephalograms (EEGs) for more than 1 hour in the control state. Somatosensory evoked potentials were also recorded. Infusion of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced epileptic discharges on the EEG and caused an increase in blood pressure. Measurements of cerebral oxygenation with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) showed increase in total and oxygenated hemoglobin accompanied by a decrease in deoxygenated hemoglobin. Since the flow rate was not changed, the changes in the NIRS parameters may have reflected dilatation of arterioles. Using this new model, we can change CBF and/or cerebral metabolism without affecting the systemic circulation. Unlike previous isolated perfused brain models, the present model maintains the connection between the central and peripheral nervous system. Thus, our model should provide a new approach to brain research.

Animals↗