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Biomedical subjects

T Oguchi

Publications and source records attributed to T Oguchi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

X-ray linear birefringence and linear dichroism in a cobalt crystal measured with a tunable X-ray polarimeter.

X-ray linear birefringence and linear dichroism spectra have been measured simultaneously and quantitatively for the first time. The sample was a hexagonal cobalt single-crystal foil. The apparatus used was an energy-tunable X-ray polarimeter, consisting of a polarizer, a phase retarder and an analyser. The X-ray energy was scanned over a range of 350 eV near the K-absorption edge. The Kramers-Kronig relation between the refraction and absorption anisotropy has been confirmed on an absolute scale. The phase-difference sensitivity of the polarimeter as a polarization inferometer is as small as 2pi/10000, which is about 100 times smaller than that of the Bonse-Hart inferometer.

Journal Article↗

Comparative effects of Ringer's acetate and lactate solutions on intraoperative central and peripheral temperatures.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of Ringer's lactate (LR) and Ringer's acetate (AR) solutions on core body and peripheral temperatures during isoflurane or sevoflurane anesthesia. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Operating rooms of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 60 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing general surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Following induction with 5 mg/kg of thiamylal and 0.1 mg/kg of vecuronium, patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups (15 patients per group). They received inhalation anesthetics (66% nitrous oxide [N2O] and 1.0% to 2.0% isoflurane or 1.3% to 2.6% sevoflurane) and LR or AR. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Tympanic membrane (central) temperatures, forearm temperatures, and fingertip temperatures were recorded during surgery every 30 minutes. Tympanic membrane temperatures in the patients given AR were significantly higher than those given LR during isoflurane anesthesia 5 and 30 minutes after induction of anesthesia. However, this was not the case for sevoflurane anesthesia. There were no significant differences in forearm and fingertip temperatures or fingertip bloodflow among the four groups. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between AR and LR in the preservation of heat during either sevoflurane or isoflurane anesthesia. However, AR may be superior to LR for maintaining central temperature during the early period of isoflurane anesthesia.

Acetates↗

Characterization of amorphous ursodeoxycholic acid prepared by spray-drying.

The objectives of this study were to characterize the amorphous state of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) samples prepared by spray-drying, and to demonstrate the applicability of thermal and water-vapour-adsorption techniques for studying the material. Amorphous UDCA was prepared by spray-drying a solution of the compound in a mixture of ethanol and dichloromethane. The amorphous material was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, isothermal microcalorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and water-vapour adsorption. When the inlet-air temperature of the spray drier was increased beyond 140 degrees C, the intensity of X-ray diffraction peaks from crystalline UDCA decreased and the IR bands in the hydroxyl-stretching and carboxyl-stretching regions changed. Dissolution of intact and spray-dried samples of UDCA prepared at 60 and 100 degrees C was an endothermic process but the dissolution became exothermic with increasing inlet-air temperature. UDCA samples differing in crystallinity were obtained, depending on the inlet-air temperature. A good correlation was obtained between the heat of solution and the heat of crystallization determined from DSC peak area. A good correlation was also obtained between the heat of solution and the crystallinity determined by Ruland's method from X-ray diffraction patterns. The amount of water vapour adsorbed on UDCA samples increased with increasing inlet-air temperature, indicating hydrogen bonding between water molecules and the hydroxyl groups or the carboxyl groups of amorphous UDCA. These results indicate that measurement of adsorption of water vapour and thermal analysis can both be used to evaluate the crystallinity of solid substances.

Adsorption↗

A case of mitochondrial cytopathy with a typical point mutation for MELAS, presenting with severe focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis as main clinical manifestation.

A 27-year-old female with short stature and mild hearing loss was diagnosed as having focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis by renal biopsy at our hospital. One year later she developed progressive renal dysfunction and cardiac failure and was admitted again to our hospital for evaluation. Though her only neurological disorder was mild hearing loss, her short stature and elevated lactate and pyruvate values in cerebrospinal fluid suggested mitochondrial cytopathy. A muscle biopsy specimen of the left biceps brachii, using modified Gomori trichrome stain, showed a typical image of ragged-red fibers, and an increased number of giant mitochondria with paracrystalline inclusions were visible by electron microscopy. Mitochondrial DNA from the skeletal muscle showed an A-to-G transition at 3243 of transfer RNALeu(UUR), the common point mutation for mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes. These data confirmed the diagnosis of atypical mitochondrial cytopathy with renal and heart involvement. Mitochondrial cytopathies are often associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but rarely with renal disease. Among the few reported cases with associated renal disease, most included renal tubular disorders; few cases with focal glomerular sclerosis are known. The present case of atypical mitochondrial cytopathy was characterized by a unique clinical course and rare complications with focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Adult↗

Effects of low temperature on the chronotropic and inotropic responses to zatebradine, E-4031 and verapamil in isolated perfused dog atria.

We investigated the effects of hypothermia (25 degrees C) on the chronotropic and inotropic effects of zatebradine (a blocker of hyperpolarization-activated inward current, I(f)), E-4031 (a blocker of the rapid type of the delayed rectifier K+ current, I(Kr)) and verapamil, and on the positive cardiac responses to isoproterenol after treatment with zatebradine and E-4031 in isolated, blood-perfused dog atria. Hypothermia shifted the dose-response curves to the right for the negative chronotropic and inotropic effects of verapamil and for the negative chronotropic and positive inotropic effects of zatebradine, but not for the negative chronotropic and positive inotropic effects of E-4031. Hypothermia attenuated the positive chronotropic response to isoproterenol or Bay k 8644 (an L type Ca2+ channel agonist) and was attenuated more than the inotropic one. Zatebradine selectively inhibited the positive chronotropic response to isoproterenol at a normal temperature, but in hypothermia, it inhibited neither the chronotropic nor inotropic responses. E-4031 did not affect the positive responses to isoproterenol. These results suggest that verapamil and zatebradine but not E-4031 influence the atrial rate and contractile force much less in hypothermia than in normothermia and that the I(f) and inward Ca2+ current are sensitive to hypothermia in the heart.

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

Isolation and characterization of the yeast las21 mutants, which are sensitive to a local anestheticum, tetracaine.

We isolated and characterized yeast mutants whose growth is sensitive to a local anestheticum tetracaine and, at the same time, temperature sensitive. These mutants were collectively called las mutants (local anestheticum sensitive). The las21 mutants were analyzed in this study. The wild type LAS21 gene was cloned by exploiting temperature sensitivity of the las21 mutants and we found that LAS21 encodes ORF YJL062w which has not been analyzed before. Las21p is putative membrane protein belonging to the major facilitator super family containing plural membrane spanning domains. Complete elimination of the LAS21 ORF did not kill the cells but made their growth temperature sensitive. Interestingly, the complete loss of the LAS21 gene canceled the sensitivity to tetracaine. The ability of the las21 mutants to grow at a higher temperature was recovered in the various media containing an osmotic stabilizer or salts. Furthermore, temperature sensitivity of the las21 mutants was partially suppressed by introduction of PKC1, encoding protein kinase C, on a high copy vector. We found some genetic interactions between LAS21 and Ras/cAMP cascade genes. These results suggest that LAS21 defines unknown pathway regulating the stress response of yeast.

Anesthetics, Local↗

Detection and quantitation of HBV DNA by semi-nested PCR in donated blood: comparison with HBV serological markers.

To detect and quantitate hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was designed for amplifying the HBV core region DNA. Cloned HBV core region DNA was used as a quantitation control, and upon electrophoresis of the semi-nested PCR product, one, two, or three bands of amplified DNA were observed using a small (< 50 mol), moderate (around 200 mol), or large (> or = 1250 mol) quantity of the template DNA, respectively. Using this semi-nested PCR method, HBV DNA was quantitated in donated blood and tested for HBV serological markers. Most of the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) high titer samples showed three bands on the electrophoresis, indicating a high level of HBV DNA, while most of the HBsAg low titer samples showed one band, indicating a low level of HBV DNA. HBV DNA was detected in 7 out of 36 HBsAg-undetectable and anti-HBc-positive samples (19.4%) but all 7 showed one band, indicating a low level of HBV DNA. In almost all of the HBV e antigen-positive samples the HBsAg titer was high, and three bands were observed indicating a high level of HBV DNA.

Blood Donors↗

Evaluation of amorphous ursodeoxycholic acid by thermal methods.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the amorphous state of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) samples by using isothermal microcalorimetry, X-ray diffraction, infrared (IR) spectroscopy and solid state carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) spectroscopy, and to demonstrate the application of the thermal methods (microcalorimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for studying the amorphous state and clarifying the dissolution mechanism of UDCA. METHODS: Amorphous UDCA was prepared by grinding and rapid cooling of the melts. The heat of solution of UDCA was measured by an isothermal heat-conduction twin microcalorimeter at 25.0 degrees C. Some physicochemical properties of amorphous UDCA were also studied. RESULTS: The intensities of X-ray diffraction peaks of crystalline UDCA decreased with an increase in grinding time. The heat levels of solution of crystalline UDCA and UDCA ground for 1 min were endothermic, and became exothermic with an increase in grinding time. A good correlation was obtained between the heat of solution and the heat of crystallization determined from the peak area in DSC. Although no significant difference was observed in X-ray diffraction patterns of amorphous UDCA prepared by the two methods, significant differences were recognized in DSC, IR and 13C-NMR, and the heat of solution indicated different values among the two samples. The stability of amorphous UDCA samples stored under 74.5% relative humidity at 40 degrees C was found to depend upon the preparation methods. CONCLUSIONS: Different states of amorphous UDCA were obtained depending on the preparation method. The application of thermal methods to evaluate the amorphous state was demonstrated. The mechanism of dissolution of UDCA was discussed from the results of the heat of solution examination.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗

The minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in rats.

There are only limited data on sevoflurane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) in rats. This study was designed to determine the minimum alveolar concentration value for sevoflurane in younger and older rats. Minimum alveolar concentration determination was performed in spontaneously breathing animals, 9-week-old rats (younger, n = 8) and more than 13-month-old rats (older, n = 8). Rats were instrumented with a silastic catheter in the abdominal aorta via the femoral artery to allow for arterial blood gas sampling. Subsequently, minimum alveolar concentration for sevoflurane was determined in 40 younger and 38 older rats. Minimum alveolar concentration for sevoflurane in younger rats was significantly higher than in the older rats (2.68 +/- 0.19 vs. 2.29 +/- 0.19, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that minimum alveolar concentration for sevoflurane was not affected by the presence of an arterial catheter in the abdominal aorta (younger, 2.75 +/- 0.08 vs. 2.67 +/- 0.21; older, 2.23 +/- 0.19 vs. 2.30 +/- 0.18). Minimum alveolar concentration is profoundly affected by the age of the animal, but not by limited instrumentation.

Aging↗

Effects of grinding and humidification on the transformation of conglomerate to racemic compound in optically active drugs.

The effects of grinding and humidification on the transformation of conglomerate to racemic compound have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy for leucine, norleucine, valine, serine, tartaric acid and malic acid. Racemic physical mixtures were prepared by physical mixing of equimolar quantities of D and I. crystals using a mortar and pestle. Ground mixtures were obtained by grinding the physical mixtures with a vibrational mill. Humidification was performed by storing the physical mixtures and the ground mixtures in a desiccator containing saturated aqueous salt solutions at 40 degrees C. When physical mixtures of malic acid, tartaric acid and serine were ground, the XPD peaks of the racemic compounds were observed. The XPD patterns of humidified physical mixtures of these compounds also showed the formation of the racemic compounds. This indicated that grinding or humidification of malic acid, tartaric acid and serine induced the transformation of conglomerate to racemic compound crystals. When, on the other hand, the physical mixtures of valine, leucine and norleucine were ground, peaks of racemic compounds were not detected in the XPD pattern. After humidification of the ground mixtures of valine, leucine and norleucine, however, the XPD peaks of racemic compounds were observed. DSC and IR studies revealed consistent results. We concluded that grinding or humidification of malic acid, tartaric acid and serine could induce the transformation of a conglomerate to racemic compound. In contrast, humidifying after grinding was needed to bring about the transformation in leucine, norleucine and valine.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗

Acute presynaptic inhibition by doxorubicin of negative chrono- and inotropic responses to parasympathetic nerve stimulation in isolated, blood-perfused dog atrium.

The clinical use of doxorubicin, an anthracycline antineoplastic agent, is limited by its cardiotoxicity. Although several previous reports have shown neurotoxic effects of doxorubicin, there is little information about the acute effects of doxorubicin on the autonomic nerve functions in the heart. Accordingly, to evaluate the effects of doxorubicin on the cardiac responses to autonomic nerve activation, we studied the effects of doxorubicin on the negative chrono- and inotropic responses to intracardiac parasympathetic nerve stimulation and acetylcholine (ACh), and the positive chrono- and inotropic responses to norepinephrine (NE) in the isolated, blood-perfused dog atrium. Doxorubicin (0.01-3 mumol), injected into the sinus node artery of the isolated atrium, induced negative inotropic effects dose dependently and weak negative chronotropic effects. Doxorubicin inhibited the negative chrono- and inotropic responses to parasympathetic nerve stimulation dose dependently. However, doxorubicin affected neither the negative chrono- and inotropic responses to ACh nor the positive chrono- and inotropic responses to NE. These results indicate that doxorubicin interacts with neither muscarinic receptors nor beta-adrenoceptors and suggest that doxorubicin inhibits the negative cardiac responses to parasympathetic nerve activation due to the inhibition of ACh release from nerve varicosities in the heart.

Acetylcholine↗

Use of an alkaline phosphatase-conjugated oligonucleotide probe for the gene encoding the bundle-forming pilus of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli.

An alkaline phosphatase-conjugated 29-base oligonucleotide probe was developed to detect the gene encoding the bundle-forming pilus of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. The sensitivity and specificity of the probe versus the results of localized adherence in the HEp-2 cell assay and fluorescent actin staining assay positivity were 95.7 and 100%, respectively.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Bul1, a new protein that binds to the Rsp5 ubiquitin ligase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We characterized a temperature-sensitive mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in which a mini-chromosome was unstable at a high temperature and cloned a new gene which encodes a basic and hydrophilic protein (110 kDa). The disruption of this gene caused the same temperature-sensitive growth as the original mutation. By using the two-hybrid system, we further isolated RSP5 (reverses Spt- phenotype), which encodes a hect (homologous to E6-AP C terminus) domain, as a gene encoding a ubiquitin ligase. Thus, we named our gene BUL1 (for a protein that binds to the ubiquitin ligase). BUL1 seems to be involved in the ubiquitination pathway, since a high dose of UBI1, encoding a ubiquitin, partially suppressed the temperature sensitivity of the bul1 disruptant as well as that of a rsp5 mutant. Coexpression of RSP5 and BUL1 on a multicopy plasmid was toxic for mitotic growth of the wild-type cells. Pulse-chase experiments revealed that Bul1 in the wild-type cells remained stable, while the bands of Bul1 in the rsp5 cells were hardly detected. Since the steady-state levels of the protein were the same in the two strains as determined by immunoblotting analysis, Bul1 might be easily degraded during immunoprecipitation in the absence of intact Rsp5. Furthermore, both Bul1 and Rsp5 appeared to be associated with large complexes which were separated through a sucrose gradient centrifugation, and Rsp5 was coimmunoprecipitated with Bul1. We discuss the possibility that Bul1 functions together with Rsp5 in protein ubiquitination.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Immunological analysis of organized pneumonia with eosinophilic pleural effusion.

A 73-year-old man developed organized pneumonia with severe right-sided eosinophilic pleural effusion (PE). CD69+ and HLA-DR+ eosinophils in PE were 90 and 31%, respectively, but were undetectable in peripheral blood (PB). CD4+, CD45RA+ (naive) and CD4+, CD45RO+ (memory) cells in PB, PE and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were 10.9, 8.4, 2.5 and 22.7, 38.3 and 16.4%, respectively. CD8+, CD45RA+ (naive) and CD8+, CD45RO+ (memory) cells in PB, PE and BAL were 3.5, 4.7, 1.0, and 8.9, 11.3 and 46.0%, respectively. The concentrations of interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IL-6 in PE were 1,680 and 2,797 pg/ml, respectively; however, these cytokines were undetectable in PB. The patient died 1 month after surgery to remove right thickened pleura. Microscopic findings showed right fibrinous pleuritis and organized pneumonia.

Aged↗

Association between the extent of sclerotic changes in iliac arteries and long-term prognosis in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Peripheral vascular disease is often complicated with ischemic heart disease and is associated with increased cardiac mortality. Latent progression of sclerotic changes in the arteries supplying the lower extremities is often present but undiagnosed. We examined the influence of sclerotic changes of the iliac arteries on the late outcome in 79 patients with ischemic heart disease. Lower abdominal aortography was performed at the time of cardiac catheterization between December 1989 and January 1991. The degree of sclerotic change in the iliac arteries was assessed according to aortography findings such as stenosis, dilatation or bend, with higher scores representing more advanced sclerosis (aortography score). The mean aortography score of all patients was 5.8 +/- 4.6. The patients were followed up for 4.4 +/- 1.2 years to monitor the occurrence of cardiac events (cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, coronary bypass surgery, or coronary angioplasty for new lesion). The cardiac event-free rate at 5 years was 76.6% in the high score group (32 patients with scores of 6 or more) and 92.9% in the low score group (47 patients with scores of 5 or less). The difference was significant (p = 0.007) by log-rank test. The hazard rate of the aortography score for predicting risk of cardiac event was 1.11 by the Cox proportional hazards model (95% confidence intervals: 1.01-1.23, p = 0.039). When the analysis was adjusted for coronary bypass surgery as primary therapy, the number of diseased coronary arteries, or the presence of peripheral vascular disease, similar results were obtained. In conclusion, more severe sclerotic change in iliac arteries is associated with a higher incidence of cardiac events in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Aged↗