Plasma exchange in Kawasaki disease.
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Child, Preschool↗
Biomedical subjects
S Yamaguchi
Publications and source records attributed to S Yamaguchi.
Identification of the D-enantiomer of 2-hydroxyglutaric acid in glutaric aciduria type II.
We determined the optical isomer of the 2-hydroxyglutaric acid (2HG) that was elevated in the urine of five Japanese children with a mild form of glutaric aciduria type II (GA2), caused by a deficiency of electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) or ETF-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO). The D- and L-enantiomers of 2HG were separated by capillary gas chromatography with a combination of (S)-(+)-2-octanol derivatization and chromatography on a DB-1 column. The isomer that was elevated in GA2 patients was predominantly the D-enantiomer, an observation that may serve as an additional marker for the biochemical diagnosis of GA2. D-2HG dehydrogenation, but not L-2HG dehydrogenation is apparently blocked in GA2. A specific D-2HG dehydrogenase or D-2HG-CoA dehydrogenase may be metabolically linked to ETF and ETF-QO in the mitochondria.
Biomarkers↗
Enhancement of retrovirus-mediated gene transduction efficiency by transient overexpression of the amphotropic receptor, GLVR-2.
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Gene Expression Regulation, Viral↗
Prenatal diagnosis in a family with mitochondrial acetoacetyl-coenzyme A thiolase deficiency with the use of the polymerase chain reaction followed by the heteroduplex detection method.
Mitochondrial acetoacetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) thiolase deficiency is an organic aciduria which affects isoleucine and ketone body catabolism. GK16 (the index patient) was affected with this disorder and previous studies had revealed that GK16 was a compound heterozygote with IVS8(+1) gt to tt and A301P mutations. In a subsequent pregnancy, prenatal diagnosis was performed and the fetus's amniocytes were analysed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by the heteroduplex detection method on a Mutation Detection Enhancement gel. The fetus was identified as a carrier of the IVS8(+1) mutation. We confirmed the diagnosis by immunoblot analysis of extracted amniocytes and gene analysis with blood filter paper after delivery. This is the first report of prenatal diagnosis of this disorder at the gene level.
Acetyl-CoA C-Acetyltransferase↗
Alpha fetoprotein-producing acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas showing multiple lines of differentiation.
An alpha fetoprotein (AFP)-producing tumour occurring in the head of the pancreas of a 30-year-old woman is reported. Histological examination revealed a markedly solid proliferation of tumour cells with prominent nucleoli and occasional luminal structures, some of which contained mucinous material stained with mucicarmine and alcian blue. No squamoid corpuscles were recognized. Immunohistochemistry showed intense positivity for lipase trypsin, and AFP basically, and single cells were also positive for carcino-embryonic antigen, CA19-9, synaptophysin and neuron-specific enolase. Pancreatic hormone-positive cells were absent. Electron microscopical examination revealed numerous granules of variable sizes in the tumour cells, which were considered to be zymogen. The tumour is an acinar cell carcinoma with multi-directional differentiation including the ability to produce AFP. Among AFP-positive pancreatic tumours, acinar cell carcinoma and pancreatoblastoma seem to be the most frequent.
Adult↗
Axial movements of rat mandibular incisors measured under artificial respiration with halothane anaesthesia.
The axial movements of rat incisors were recorded continuously for over 20 h. The rats were anaesthetized with halothane delivered by intratracheal intubation using an artificial respirator. A haemostatic clamp was used to immobilize the jaw and the displacement detector exhibited high resolution, good linearity and low drift. The previously impeded and unimpeded eruption rates (the average extrusive movements) were 406 and 548 microns/24 h, respectively. The previously unimpeded rate was lower than the normal unimpeded rates obtained by other investigators. It appears that the eruptive movement of the previously unimpeded incisor was inhibited by halothane anaesthesia. Circadian rhythm was not observed in the eruption rates of previously impeded or unimpeded incisors. Following the i.p. injection of a lethal dose of pentobarbital sodium, the incisors retracted. The average intrusive movement was significantly greater in the previously impeded group (29 microns) than in the previously unimpeded group (12 microns) at 30 min after the lethal injection. It is assumed that the elimination of the pushing force at death may cause the stretched periodontal fibres to recoil, thereby pulling the tooth in an intrusive direction. It is also likely that the mechanical strength of the ligament is reduced in the previously unimpeded group by repeated shortening of the incisors; therefore the force needed to retract previously unimpeded incisors may be less than that needed to retract previously impeded incisors.
Animals↗
Electrophysiologic correlates of visuo-spatial attention shift.
We investigated neurophysiologic correlates of shifting visual attention across the visual field. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded in 12 normal subjects during a visual discrimination task in which target stimuli were presented at a predictable or unpredictable location in the eccentric visual field. Subjects were obliged to shift their attention from the expected site to the unpredictable site immediately after the presentation of shifted stimuli in order to detect the change of stimulus attributes. Shifted stimuli modulated the N1 component (130-200 msec), producing a larger amplitude at the posterior temporal site contralateral to the stimulus field and a smaller amplitude over the ipsilateral hemisphere. Furthermore, shifted stimuli uniquely evoked a positive ERP component with a latency of 200-300 msec, which distributed broadly over the skull maximally at the frontal and central electrode sites. Both the negative and positive components changed in amplitude as a function of shift distance and direction. These results suggest that modulations of the negative and positive deflections reflect the shift of covert visuo-spatial attention and that right hemispheric dominance does not exist at least in the early stage of shifting spatial attention.
Adult↗
Culture, gender, and self: a perspective from individualism-collectivism research.
Individualism and collectivism are often equated with independent vs. interdependent, agentic vs. communal, and separate vs. relational self-construals. Although these same concepts have been used to characterize both cultural and gender differences, a perspective of cultural evolution suggests it is unlikely. A division of labor within society may produce gender differences, but this cannot explain cultural differences. A study of self-construal involving 5 cultures (Australia, the United States, Hawaii, Japan, and Korea) shows that differences between these cultures are captured mostly by the extent to which people see themselves as acting as independent agents, whereas gender differences are best summarized by the extent to which people regard themselves as emotionally related to others.
Adolescent↗
The inhibitory effect of kampou extracts on in vitro calcium oxalate crystallization and in vivo stone formation in an animal model.
Kampou medicine is a traditional Japanese therapeutic system which originated in China and was used to treat various diseases for hundreds of years until it was superseded by Western medicine. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Kampou medicine among many physicians. Unfortunately, however, little evaluation has been performed using objective scientific methods until now, and the pharmacodynamics of Kampou medicine are still unclear. Generally speaking, Kampou medicine has been shown to have fewer side-effects than Western medicine based on the experience gained from its long usage. We first selected 16 Kampou extracts for screening as possible calcium oxalate stone prophylactic agents in vitro. This resulted in the selection of two kinds of Kampou extracts, Takusya and Kagosou, as potential Kampou extracts for stone prophylaxis. Next, these two Kampou extracts were tested in vivo for their effects on stone formation in an animal model. Takusya showed significant stone prophylaxis, while Kagosou did not. Lastly, Chorei-to, which contains Takusya and has been approved for prescription as a Kampou medicine for urolithiasis patients in Japan, was examined in vivo at two different concentrations. As a result, a low dose of Chorei-to which corresponded to the human daily dose per unit of body weight exhibited apparent stone prophylaxis, despite the disadvantage of decreasing citrate excretion. In contrast, high doses of Chorei-to did not exhibit stone prophylaxis in vivo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Anticonvulsant efficacy of ADCI (5-aminocarbonyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine) after acute and chronic dosing in mice.
ADCI (5-aminocarbonyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5, 10-imine), a low-affinity uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant with a favorable side-effect profile. In the present study, we sought to determine if tolerance develops to the anticonvulsant activity of ADCI, using the maximal electroshock (MES) test to assess seizure protection. Mice were treated with three daily injections of a 2 x ED50 dose for MES protection (18 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, i.p.) or vehicle for 7 or 14 days. On the day after the chronic treatment protocol, all animals received a challenge dose of ADCI (18 mg/kg) and 15 min later were evaluated in the MES test. In control animals, 83-94% of animals were protected and the ADCI plasma levels immediately after the MES test were 5.5-9.7 micrograms/ml. In treated animals, 29 and 0% of animals were protected at 7 and 14 days, respectively, and the ADCI plasma levels were 77 and 52% of the control values. [3H]Dizocilpine binding to brain NMDA receptors was unaltered by the chronic drug treatment. In subsequent experiments, we determined that 14-day chronically treated animals could be completely protected by increased doses of ADCI (ED50 28.9 mg/kg). In both naive and chronically treated animals receiving a challenge dose of ADCI, plasma drug levels decreased in two phases, the first with a time constant of approximately 55 min and the second with a much slower rate. The estimated plasma concentrations of ADCI reflecting threshold (3-5 micrograms/ml) and 50% protection (5-7.5 micrograms/mg) were similar in naive and chronic animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
[Isolation of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli from pediatric patients suffering from enteritis with bloody stool and intussusception].
We tried to isolate verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) on sorbitol-MacConkey (SMAC) agar and in part by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method from sporadic enteritis patients with bloody stools and intussusception patients who came to three pediatric clinics in the Fukuoka area from October 1990 to September 1994. VTEC O157:H7 strains were isolated from 6 (10.5%) of 57 patients with bloody stools, Campylobacter spp. 15 (26.3%), Salmonella spp. 14 (24.6%) and Yersinia enterocolitica 2. We were not able to detect VT genes by PCR from 11 of 20 patients from whose stools no causative bacteria were isolated. Massive fresh bloody stools following frequent watery diarrhea were typical of the VTEC enteritis patients. Only 1 patient had fever and 2 had leukocytosis, but the C-reactive protein in all of them was below 1+. The VTEC strains were isolated during the summer season, 1 in June, 2 in July, and 3 in September. Since in the area O157:H7 appeared to be the most prevalent VTEC serotype, SMAC is very useful for screening VTEC in bloody stools. VTEC seems to be a rare pathogen of intussusception because the organisms were detected from none of the 30 patients.
Adolescent↗
Promising new carbapenem antibiotics for treatment of neonatal meningitis due to Campylobacter fetus.
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Campylobacter Infections↗
Effect of some immunosuppressors on allergic bronchial inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in mice.
The effects of two new immunosuppressors, FK-506 and mizoribine, on antigen-induced bronchial inflammation and reactivity to acetylcholine in mice were studied in comparison with those of cyclosporin A and cyclophosphamide. Three inhalations of an antigen by actively sensitized BALB/c mice resulted in an increase in airway reactivity to acetylcholine. Twenty-four hours after the final inhalation, the number of leukocytes (mononuclear cells and eosinophils) and the amount of interleukin 5 (IL-5) increased significantly. In BALB/c nu/nu mice (athymic mice), three inhalations of antigen caused no significant change in either airway inflammation or hyperresponsiveness. The administration of each of the four immunosuppressors clearly inhibited antigen-induced airway eosinophilia. Moreover, FK-506, mizoribine and cyclophosphamide clearly inhibited the antigen-induced IL-5 production and cyclosporin A showed the tendency to inhibit IL-5 production. Whereas FK-506, mizoribine and cyclosporin A clearly inhibited the antigen-induced airway hyperreactivity in BALB/c mice, cyclophosphamide did not show a significant effect on this airway hyperreactivity. These results indicate that FK-506, mizoribine and cyclosporin A, but not cyclophosphamide, inhibit antigen-induced airway hyperreactivity in mice. The mechanism which inhibits antigen-induced airway eosinophilia and IL-5 production is not involved in the inhibitory mechanism of airway hyperreactivity by FK-506 and mizoribine.
Aerosols↗
Adenosine A1 receptor mRNA in microdissected rat nephron segments.
Adenosine plays several roles in the kidney mediated by the specific receptors A1, A2, and possibly A3. We studied the localization of adenosine A1 receptor mRNA in rat nephron segments using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The nephron segments of male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 to 8 weeks old) were microdissected. Total RNA was prepared by the acid-guanidinium-phenol-chloroform method and used in the following RT-PCR assay. Because the PCR primers spanned no intron, samples reacted in the absence of RT were used as controls for amplification of genomic DNA. The PCR products were size-fractionated by electrophoresis, visualized with ethidium bromide staining, and confirmed by Southern blot analysis. PCR products were detected in all of the nephron segments examined. No signals were detected in samples reacted in the absence of RT. Strong signals were detected in glomeruli, medullary collecting duct, cortical thick ascending limb, and medullary thick ascending limb, while weak signals were found in proximal convoluted and straight tubules. Previously, the presence of A1 receptors has been demonstrated in glomeruli, collecting duct, and thick ascending limb in the rat kidney by autoradiography and binding studies. In addition to these segments, we further detected A1 receptor mRNA in proximal convoluted and straight tubules. Thus, A1 receptor mRNA seems to be broadly expressed along the nephron.
Animals↗
Chemical constituents of Chinese natural medicine, morindae radix, the dried roots of morinda officinalis how.: structures of morindolide and morofficinaloside.
A new iridoid lactone, morindolide, and a new iridoid glucoside, morofficinaloside, have been isolated from a Chinese natural medicine, Morindae Radix, the dried root of Morinda officinalis How. together with a number of known compounds: five anthraquinones, four iridoid glucosides, a monoterpene glycoside, two sterols, an ursane-type triterpene, and a lactone compound. The chemical structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence.
Acetylation↗
Studies on anti-allergic action of AH 21-132, a novel isozyme-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor in airways.
The effects of AH 21-132, a type III and IV phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, on allergic reactions in the airway were studied by comparing them with the effects of rolipram, a type IV PDE inhibitor, and aminophylline, a non-selective PDE inhibitor. The following results were obtained: 1) AH 21-132, rolipram and aminophylline inhibited the antigen-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig tracheal muscle in vitro. 2) AH 21-132 and aminophylline inhibited antigen-induced histamine release from human lung tissue fragments. 3) Antigen-induced accumulation of inflammatory cells including eosinophils and macrophages in mice bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was clearly inhibited by AH 21-132 and rolipram, but not by aminophylline. 4) AH 21-132, rolipram and aminophylline inhibited immediate phase bronchocostriction induced by either an intravenous or an aerosol challenge of antigen in guinea pigs. 5) AH 21-132 and rolipram inhibited the aeroantigen challenge-induced late phase increase in the airway resistance in guinea pigs, but aminophylline did not. These results suggest that AH 21-132 has an anti-allergic effect in the airway and that these actions may be beneficial for the treatment of allergic bronchial asthma.
Aminophylline↗
Lungworm, Filaroides osleri, infection in a dog in Japan.
A 7-month-old male Pomeranian had severe dyspnea for 2 weeks. The lateral bronchogram showed a stenosis of the trachea. Inspite of supportive therapy including supplemental oxygen, the dog died 5 days later. Six pedunculated nodules were recognized in the mucosal surface of the trachea at necropsy. The tracheal nodules were histopathologically granuloma characterized by many coiled parasites containing a little collagen fibers, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. Female parasites had a lot of embryonated eggs in the uterus. Immature worms were observed in the dilated lymph vessels of bronchial and bronchiolar wall in the lungs. The worms were identified as Filaroides osleri based on the parasitological examinations.
Animals↗
Eosinophil activation in patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
The eosinophil count and concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary fibrosis associated with a collagen vascular disorder (PF-CVD), sarcoidosis, and healthy controls. The patients with IPF and PF-CVD showed significant increased eosinophil count and ECP levels in BALF compared with the controls. When the patients with IPF and PF-CVD were subclassified into chronic stable, progressive, and acute progressive subgroups in accordance with the observed progression of pulmonary dysfunction during the preceding 3- to 6-month period, those in the acute progressive subgroup showed significantly elevated recovered eosinophil count and ECP level, as well as recovered lymphocyte count and total protein, albumin, and type III procollagen aminoterminal peptide-related antigens (pIIIp) in BALF, compared with either of the other two subgroups. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that, among these variables, only ECP and pIIIp significantly contributed to discrimination among the three subgroups differing in disease activity. These findings suggest that eosinophils are involved in the inflammatory process in pulmonary fibrosis and that the released ECP and other cytotoxic eosinophil products may contribute to the lung injury and development of fibrosis.
Adult↗