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Biomedical subjects

R Ban

Publications and source records attributed to R Ban.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Phospho-regulation of human protein kinase Aurora-A: analysis using anti-phospho-Thr288 monoclonal antibodies.

Mammalian Aurora-A is related to a serine/threonine protein kinase that was originally identified by its close homology with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ipl1p and Drosophila melanogaster aurora that are key regulators in the orchestration of mitotic events. The protein level of Aurora-A, its peak kinase activity during mitosis, and its activation have been attributed to phosphorylation. Here we show that this enzyme is an arginine-directed kinase and define its substrate specificity. We also found that Thr288 within the activation loop is a critical residue for activating phosphorylation events in vitro and that it is spatiotemporally restricted to a brief window at mitosis on duplicated centrosomes and on spindle microtubules proximal to the poles in vivo. Immunodepletion assays indicated that an upstream kinase(s) of Aurora-A might exist in mammalian cells in addition to autophosphorylation. Furthermore, human activated Aurora-A forms complexes with the negative regulator protein serine/threonine phosphatase type 1 (PP1) that was negatively phosphorylated on Thr320. Interestingly, phospho-specific Aurora-A monoclonal antibodies restrain Aurora-A kinase activity in vitro, providing further therapeutic avenues to explore.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Blood transfusion increases radical promoting non-transferrin bound iron in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion has been recognised as a risk factor for the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or chronic lung disease (CLD) in preterm infants, but the precise mechanism involved is not understood. AIM: To investigate the level of non-transferrin bound "free" iron, which has the potential to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species, and its redox status in the plasma of preterm infants immediately before and after blood transfusion. METHODS: Twenty one preterm infants with a median gestational age and birth weight of 27 weeks and 1021 g respectively were prospectively enrolled in the study. Sixteen of the 21 infants developed ROP and/or CLD. The infants were transfused with concentrated red blood cells at a median age of 32 days. The plasma concentration of total bleomycin detectable iron (BDI) was measured and also the ferrous iron (Fe(2+)) activity by bleomycin-iron complex dependent degradation of DNA. RESULTS: Even before blood transfusion, BDI was detectable in one third of the blood samples, and all but one sample had ferrous iron activity. After transfusion, both BDI and ferrous iron activity were significantly increased, in contrast with the situation in full term infants. Plasma ascorbic acid (AA) concentration was significantly decreased after blood transfusion, whereas the level of its oxidation product, dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), and the DHAA/AA ratio were significantly increased compared with before the transfusion. The activity of plasma ferroxidase, which converts iron from the ferrous to the ferric state, was appreciably decreased in preterm infants, as expected from their very low plasma caeruloplasmin concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma non-transferrin bound iron was significantly increased in preterm infants after blood transfusion and existed partly in the ferrous form, because of the low ferroxidase activity and the reduction of ferric iron (Fe(3+)) by ascorbic acid. This finding was specific to preterm infants and was not observed in full term infants after blood transfusion. Non-transferrin bound "free" iron may catalyse the generation of reactive oxygen species, which may be responsible for the clinical association of blood transfusion with ROP and CLD.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2000

KL-6, a mucinous glycoprotein, as an indicator of chronic lung disease of the newborn.

KL-6 is a mucinous glycoprotein that is preferentially expressed by alveolar type 2 cells. Plasma KL-6 was higher in infants with chronic lung disease (n = 12) than in infants without chronic lung disease (n = 14) on day 0-1, 10, and 30 (P =.04). KL-6 correlated with the alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference on day 10 and day 30. Plasma KL-6 may be useful as an early marker of chronic lung disease and an indicator of severity.

Antigens↗
PubMed2000

[Determination of lactic acid in fermentation broth of Rhizopus oryzae by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC)].

A method for determining lactic acid in fermentation broth of Rhizopus oryzae by RP-HPLC is described. The operating conditions were Wakosil-II 5 C18 RS column(4.6 mm i.d. x 150 mm, 5 microns) at room temperature, 0.01 mol/L phosphoric acid solution (pH 2.5) as mobile phase with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 210 nm. The retention time of lactic acid was 3.820 min. This method is simple, rapid and accurate. The results will not be affected by other components in the broth. The relative standard deviation was 0.22% (n = 5), and the recovery was over 99%.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed1997

[Development of a high resolution beta camera].

We have developed and tested a high resolution beta camera. The beta camera consists of thin CaF2(Eu) scintillator, tapered fiber optics plate, position sensitive photomultiplier tube (PSPMT). The output of the PSPMT is fed to position calculation circuit and accumulated in the memory. The data in the memory is fed to personal computer for display and analysis. We have developed two types of beta cameras. One is 20 mm diameter field of view (FOV) camera, and the other is 10 mm diameter camera. Intrinsic spatial resolutions were 0.8 mm FWHM and 0.5 mm FWHM for 20 mm and 10 mm FOV camera, respectively. We confirmed that developed beta cameras may overcome the limitation of the resolution of the PET camera.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Evaluation of non-uniform attenuation correction using simultaneous transmission and emission computed tomography--basic analysis with myocardial phantom].

Simultaneous transmission emission protocol (STEP), developed for the non-uniform attenuation correction of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was evaluated using the cardiac phantom prepared with and without a myocardial wall defect. Emission computed tomography (ECT) of the cardiac phantom using 201Tl was acquired. Transmission data (TCT) were taken using a line source of 99mTc. Myocardial images with STEP method were superior in the homogeneity of intramyocardial radioactivity and spatial resolution to the conventional SPECT images. This is an excellent method because of the accurate matching position between TCT and ECT images and shortening the examination time by simultaneous data acquisition. It would be clinically useful for diagnosing various myocardial diseases.

Heart↗
PubMed1994

Fractional mean transit time in transplanted kidneys studied by technetium-99m-DTPA: comparison of clinical and biopsy findings.

UNLABELLED: To determine the usefulness of fractional mean transit time (MTT) in the differential diagnosis of postrenal transplant complications, 99mTc-DTPA was used to evaluate differences in MTT between the outer zone (cortical nephron) and middle zone (juxtamedullary nephron, calcyces and cortical nephron) of the kidney. It is well known that acute rejection is characterized by delayed cortical transit time, whereas cortical nephron function is well maintained and juxtamedullary function is impaired after renal ischemia. METHODS: Technetium-99m-DTPA fractional MTT was determined by deconvolution analysis of 89 renograms obtained within 5 days of the date of kidney graft biopsy and evaluation. RESULTS: Outer zone MTT was significantly shorter than middle zone MTT in normals (2.7 +/- 0.4 versus 3.0 +/- 0.6 min, n = 22, p < 0.001), acute tubular necrosis (3.4 +/- 1.1 versus 3.6 +/- 1.4 min, n = 19, p < 0.01), chronic rejection (3.9 +/- 1.5 versus 5.0 +/- 2.3 min, n = 14, p < 0.001) and obstruction (4.1 +/- 0.6 versus 8.9 +/- 3.4 min, n = 13, p < 0.001). In contrast, outer zone MTT was significantly longer than middle zone MTT in acute rejection (4.8 +/- 3.2 versus 4.2 +/- 2.5 min, n = 21, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fractional MTT was demonstrated to be useful in differentiating acute rejection and ATN in transplanted kidneys.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Dual-energy data acquisition for simultaneous 81mKr ventilation/99mTc-MAA perfusion SPECT: ventilation/perfusion ratio mapping in cross section].

Methods of simultaneous pulmonary ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) tomogram (SPECT) for V/Q ratio mapping were reported. Crosstalk was corrected by subtraction assuming crosstalk/signal ratio is constant for an individual examination. Crosstalk was reduced by 85% for that of 99mTc-to-81mKr window (R12), and by 83% for that of 81mKr-to-99mTc window (R21) in a phantom experiment. The R12 and R21 were 1.0-1.9% (mean 1.3%) and 34.6-55.3% (mean 41.9%), respectively in 9 patients (mean age, 56.1 years; range, 38-82 years). V/Q SPECT was undertaken in 7 of the 9 patients. 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin (185 MBq) was injected intravenously in supine position, and 81mKr gas was administered continuously during the SPECT data acquisition. Sixty-four 64 x 64-matrix (size = 8 mm/pixel) images, 20-second acquisition time for each, were collected by a rotating gamma camera in a step-and-shoot fashion during a 360-degree rotation with the two photopeaks, one at 140 keV for 99mTc and another at 190 keV for 81mKr. Examination time was about 40 minutes, and the V/Q ratio maps in cross section were obtained in all of the examinations.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Value of three-dimensional surface display of brain perfusion imaging. Comparison with tomographic imaging.

The diagnostic ability of a three-dimensional surface display of I-123 IMP brain scintigrams and tomographic images was compared in 12 patients who underwent I-123 brain tomography for cerebral cortical hypoperfusion. Foci of decreased accumulation were independently diagnosed by four radiologists, first with transaxial images, second with three-dimensional images, and finally with both images subjectively compared for the purpose of diagnosing the existence, localization, and extent of lesions. Six different lesions (0 to 3 lesions/radiologist) were found only on the transaxial images, but 30 different lesions (1 to 14 lesions/radiologist) were found on the three-dimensional images. In 9 out of 12 cases, the three-dimensional images were regarded as superior for evaluating the extension of the lesion and for lesion existence and lesion localization in 5 out of 12 (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, a three-dimensional display of an I-123 IMP brain tomogram is superior to tomographic images in diagnosing the extent of cerebral cortical hypoperfusion. However, the display is not superior to tomographic images for diagnosing the existence and localization of hypoperfusion.

Amphetamines↗
PubMed1992

[A new polar map to quantify reversible area by myocardial 201Tl single photon emission computed tomography and clinical application to patients before and after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty].

In the studies of stress 201Tl single photon emission computed tomography, we have developed a computer method to discriminate reversible from irreversible defect, then quantify each area and display the area on the polar map. Initial percent uptake (%Ui) and delayed percent uptake (%Ud) were expressed as percent of the maximum uptake area and were defined as regional myocardial 201Tl uptake in initial and delayed image, respectively. The %Ud/%Ui ratio was defined as redistribution ratio (RD-ratio). The values of %Ui obtained from each pixel of short axis slices were plotted against the values of RD-ratio on XY co-ordinates. In this graphic display, normal area, ischemic viable area and non viable area were separated by the following four lines. A; The straight line (Y = 2.0-0.012X) indicating the relationship between %Ui and RD-ratio for the group with ischemic viable myocardium. B; The parallel line to A and shifted to -1.5 SD from A. C; The vertical line at 67.0% level (ischemic upper level). D; The vertical line at 27.6% level (viable lower level). Each area was discriminated by color display and calculated relative area values were displayed on the polar map. Criteria for discriminating each area were derived from the results of ischemic pre-transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) lesions (n = 21) in which viability was confirmed by successful PTCA and previous results of 66 cases with single vessel disease and 16 cases of control group. This new computerized technique was applied for evaluation of another group with successful PTCA (n = 15).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Three-dimensional display of 99mTc-MIBI myocardial scintigraphy].

One of 99mTc-hexakis, 99mTc-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (MIBI), has been demonstrated to have a myocardial uptake proportional to regional coronary blood flow. In this study, 99mTc-MIBI myocardial scintigraphy were performed for 16 patients with ischemic heart disease. After injection of 740 MBq of 99mTc-MIBI, 64 projection images were collected during a 360-degree rotation. Three-dimensional (3D) display of the left ventricle was reconstructed with depth-shading method from 99mTc-MIBI SPECT images, which were reconstructed by filtered back projection method. In 9 of the patients, left ventricular cineangiography were performed as diagnostic gold standard. Four physicians blinded to patients' clinical informations interpreted 3D images and SPECT images on separate occasions. Diagnosis of hypoperfusion by 3D displays agreed with those of SPECT in 92.9% (104/112 segments), and disagreed in 7.1% (8 segments). Sensitivity and specificity of 3D images were 87.0 and 93.9%, which were not statistically different (p less than 0.05) from that of SPECT images (91.3, 97.0%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed nearly identical curves for the two. Although 3D display had nearly identical diagnostic ability with SPECT, observers reported that 3D images were easier to diagnose than SPECT images. An advantage of the 3D display is that the display gives a more realistic impression of the left ventricle to an observer than tomography or planar imaging. Another advantage is that 3D display can reduce the amount of data storage compared with that of SPECT. In conclusion, 3D images may be useful for diagnosis of hypoperfusion of left ventricle.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Cinematic three-dimensional surface display of cardiac blood pool tomography.

A method of three-dimensional cinematic display (3D cine) of cardiac blood pool tomography is described. ECG-gated transaxial blood pool imaging was obtained from a set of projection images that were collected from 32 images with 10 ECG-gated images per projection during a 180 degrees arc of a rotating gamma camera. A surface contour of the blood pool was determined by a set of isocount lines (40-55% of the maximum pixel counts) of the transaxial images. 3D cine was made by a depth-shading method, in which brightness of a given point on the contour was set proportional to the distance between the viewing plane and the point and to the incident angle formed by the viewing line and the surface of the point. In 15 patients, 3D cine showed hypokinesia, akinesia, dyskinesia, ventricular aneurysm, and opposite motions of the atria and ventricles. Diagnoses of left ventricular motion by 3D cine agreed well with those by echocardiography and contrast left ventriculography.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Unfolded map of coronary artery territories by myocardial SPECT].

Coronary artery territories were evaluated precisely by Bull's-eye and unfolded map generated from myocardial SPECT. In addition, unfolded maps including apical information were also developed. The coronary artery territories were determined by 54 cases of typical single vessel disease (more than 75% stenosis) with myocardial infarction and angina pectoris. There were 12 of right coronary artery disease, 24 of left anterior descending coronary artery disease, 5 of diagonal coronary artery disease, and 13 of left circumflex artery disease. Each diseased region was summed and normalized using the standard pattern (21 cases of normal male and 13 cases of normal female). Apical information was simply obtained using the anterior and posterior count from short and long axial image. Then, their data were added to the unfolded map. In conclusion, unfolded map was proven to be useful for the determination of coronary artery territory, since this map expressed the extent and site of myocardial damage precisely compared to Bull's-eye. The unfolded map to contain the apical information was also useful for the evaluation of left anterior descending coronary artery involvement.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed1986

Ten-year evaluation of hypertension, overweight, cholesterol, and smoking control: the CHAD program in Jerusalem. Community Syndrome of Hypertension, Atherosclerosis and Diabetes.

Control of hypertension, overweight, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking is a major objective of the CHAD program, a multifactorial cardiovascular risk factor program built into a family practice, which has operated in a neighborhood of western Jerusalem since 1971. By 1975-1976, there was a significantly larger decrease in risk factors in this population than in a neighboring population receiving ordinary medical care. Follow-up based on clinical records of a cohort of 441 people exposed to the program until 1981 revealed that the mean blood pressures decreased and the prevalence of hypertension continued to decrease between 1976 and 1981, from 12.5 to 9.1%. Prevalence of cigarette smoking among people ages 30 years or more also decreased in this period, mainly due to a decrease in heavy smoking, at a time when national surveys provided no evidence of a smoking decrease in this age group. Effects on overweight and cholesterol were not demonstrated during this period. This 10-year evaluation demonstrates the effects of intervention by primary care practitioners in the framework of a community-oriented program.

Adult↗