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Biomedical subjects

A Ito

Publications and source records attributed to A Ito.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Expression of globo-series gangliosides in human renal cell carcinoma.

Gangliosides have been shown to be involved in development, differentiation, oncogenesis, and cancer progression. We investigated immunohistochemical expression of globo-series gangliosides in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and whether their expression is related to the clinical course. The expression of globo-series gangliosides was evaluated in fresh-frozen sections of 55 primary renal tumors and 8 metastatic deposits using monoclonal antibodies RM1 and RM2, which define monosialosyl and disialosyl galactosylgloboside, respectively. The immunoreactivity of primary tumors to RM1 and/or RM2 was correlated with the clinicopathological data. Cumulative incidence of metastasis detected at initial diagnosis and during the follow-up period was significantly higher in the cases whose primary tumors were RM1/RM2-positive (RM1 and/or RM2-positive) than in the RM1/ RM2-negative (neither RM1 nor RM2-positive) cases (P < 0.05). During the follow-up period, metastasis developed in none of the RM1/RM2-negative cases which had not shown metastasis at initial diagnosis. High nuclear grade was observed only in the RM1/RM2-positive cases. The RM1/RM2-positive rate of the metastatic deposits was higher than that of the primary tumors. Furthermore, a metastatic deposit obtained from one of the cases whose primary tumors were equivocal for RM1/ RM2 was extensively stained by RM1 and RM2. These results indicate that globo-series gangliosides may be one of the biochemical indicators related to the metastatic potential of human RCC.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Virulence-associated genes as markers of strain diversity in Helicobacter pylori infection.

To establish a marker of strain diversity of Helicobacter pylori, a genetic examination was performed based on the detection rates by PCR of cagA and vacA, which are known to be virulence-associated genes. The test strains were obtained from 70 patients suffering from gastric ulcer (GU), 82 patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) and 48 patients with gastritis (GS). Fragments located in the three different regions of vacA were amplified; V1 being the upstream portion, V2 the mid-portion and V3 the downstream portion. For cagA, the detection rates were 70% for GU, 79% for DU and 50% for GS, showing a significantly higher rate for DU than for GS (P = 0.0005). With V1, the detection rates were 90% for GU, 90% for DU and 69% for GS, giving a significantly higher rate for GU than for GS (P = 0.0036) and also giving a significantly higher rate for DU than for GS (P = 0.0019). With V2, the detection rates were 60% for GU, 70% for DU and 44% for GS, giving a significantly higher rate for DU than for GS (P = 0.0024). The differences in vacA gene polymorphism were closely related to the evidence of gastroduodenal ulcers in H. pylori infection. Furthermore, the detection rates of cagA and polymorphisms of vacA by PCR could be used as markers of strain diversity in H. pylori-induced gastroduodenal ulcer.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Less expression of cyclin E in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas than in benign and premalignant keratinocytic lesions.

In a previous study, we showed that overexpression of cyclin D, a G1 cyclin, is frequently associated with keratinocyte carcinogenesis as an early event. Another G1 cyclin, cyclin E, was recently suggested to be a prognostic marker for breast cancer. In order to evaluate the role of cyclin E in human keratinocyte carcinogenesis, we analysed the expression of cyclin E by immunohistochemistry in normal skin, seborrheic keratosis (SK), keratoacanthoma (KA), actinic keratosis (AK), Bowen's disease (BD), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Positive cells were seen rarely in normal epidermis, in 9 of 20 cases of SK, in 5 of 6 cases of KA, in 9 of 13 cases of AK and in all 27 cases of BD. Some of the cases of AK and BD had positive cells in the superficial epidermis, where atypicality is less obvious. In contrast, positive cells were seen in 4 of 25 cases of SCC and none of 15 cases of BCC. These results suggest that expression of cyclin E plays a role in the formation of benign and premalignant keratinocytic tumors, whereas down-regulation of cyclin E expression may be involved in carcinogenesis in human keratinocytes.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1997

[Simple method for typing human immunodeficiency virus type I (B, E) by PCR and chronological change of distribution of subtype (B to E) in Japan].

We analyzed the clade distribution of B and E in HIV-1 isolates in Japan by a nested PCR method using 5'-CCCACAAGATTTAAATATG-3' of the gag gene as clade B primer and 5'-CCCACAAGATTTAAACTCC-3' of the gag gene as clade E primer. Seventy-two anti-HIV-1 confirmatory positive serum samples were collected during a period of 1991-1996 in two hospitals in Yokohama City. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from the buffy coat of these samples and extracted DNA were used for nested PCR. The 72 cases comprised of 11 Japanese hemophiliacs, 14 Japanese male homosexuals, 19 Japanese male heterosexuals, 5 Japanese female heterosexuals and 23 Thai female heterosexuals. Of these 36 were clade B and 35 were clade E and one case showed positive PCR results for both B and E primers. Almost all male Japanese hemophiliacs and homosexuals in our sample have clade B, while the female Thai heterosexuals have clade E, irrespective of the year of isolation. As for Japanese male heterosexuals, through 1993, clade B was predominant but since 1994, the predominate clade switched to clade E. Although the number of Japanese female heterosexuals in our sample is small, clade B was isolated in 2 cases even after 1994.

Female↗
PubMed1997

Immunodiagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a partially purified Em18/16 enriched fraction.

An improved enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system using partially purified Eml8/16 enriched fraction (PP-Em18/16) prepared by isoelectric focusing was evaluated for serodiagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis (AE). The PP-Em18/16-ELISA was compared with Em2plus-ELISA by using sera from AE and cystic echinococcosis (CE) patients in China, where both AE and CE are endemic; sera from CE patients in Australia, where only CE exists; and sera from patients with cysticercosis, paragonimiasis, or sparganosis in Korea, where no indigenous AE or CE exists. We used Em2plus-ELISA as a standard ELISA and found 24.6% (17 of 69 specimens) cross-reactivity with sera from CE. Furthermore, some of the sera from paragonimiasis, sparganosis, and cysticercosis patients were also cross-reactive in the Em2plus-ELISA. When we tested for similar cross-reactivity in the same sera from CE patients by PP-Em18/16-ELISA (23.2%, 16 of 69), it became evident that the specificity of the PP-Em18/16-ELISA was better than that of the Em2plus-ELISA, since no sera from patients with the examined parasitic diseases except CE showed cross-reactivity. Some CE patients from China showed exceptionally high levels of antibody in comparison with those of CE patients from Australia, where no AE occurs. It is speculated that these patients with strongly positive cases of CE from China may have been exposed to both species of Echinococcus.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Variation of antigenic proteins of eggs and developmental stages of Paragonimus westermani.

Diagnosis of early paragonimiasis is difficult because parasitological evidence is not easily obtained. Antibody tests have been proposed as a good substitute for classical diagnostic techniques. Using the crude extracts of Paragonimus westermani eggs, metacercariae, 4- and 7-week juveniles, and 16-week adults as antigens, we observed the early antibody responses. Sera were obtained from 4 experimental cats, fed 50 metacercariae each, at intervals until 13 weeks post-infection. Antibody (IgG) responses were identified by ELISA using extracts of 4-week juveniles, followed by those of 7- and 16-week worms. Antibody responses were minimal against the metacercarial extracts. Antibodies to P. westermani egg extracts were elevated after 10 weeks post-infection. In immunoblot analysis, more than nine protein bands in 4-week juveniles reacted with the early infection sera. Antigenic proteins in adult worms were different from those of juveniles. After four weeks of infection, 32 and 35 kDa bands in the adult extracts were increasingly reactive. Egg specific proteins at 28, 46 and 94 kDa were reactive only after 10 weeks. Antigenic components reacting to the early infection sera changed during the maturation stages of P. westermani; almost all juvenile antigens were replaced by adult antigen components.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Morphological characterization and classification of air cells in temporal bone by digital processing of CT images].

We determined the extent of pneumatization in the temporal bone and reconstructed three-dimensional structures of air cells by computer-assisted digital processing of high resolution CT images of the bone. We attempted morphological classification of temporal bone air cells by characterization of the three-dimensional structures obtained. A total of 52 ears in 33 normal subjects (18 males and 15 females; mean age 51 years) was examined. The volume of pneumatization in the temporal bone, as measured by CT, ranged from 2.08 to 20.05 ml (mean 6.40 +/- 4.09). The morphological characteristics of air cells in the three-dimensional images were examined with reference to the volume of air cells and the direct on of their growth. The three-dimensional structures were observed from four directions (lateral, supralateral, anterolateral and supramedial). Large air cells existed plentifully in all directions. Anteriorly, air cells were growing in two directions; laterally and toward the petrous apex. The growth in the latter direction was especially marked, and this contributed to the growth in the medial direction. Air cells that grew anteriorly had two directions of growth (lateral and toward the petrous apex). The directional difference in growth varied with the ear. On examining the suprainferior growth, air cells that grew large in the anterior direction were found to grow large in the suprainferior direction and those that did not grow large in the anterior direction were found contrarily to grow poorly in the suprainferior direction. With the above morphological characteristics taken into consideration, morphological classification of air cells into five types was attempted by the volume of air cells and the direction of their growth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[CT-assisted measurement of total and regional volumes of pneumatization in the temporal bone].

The total volume of air cells in the temporal bone and the regional volumes (tympanic cavity, petrous apex and mastoid antrum) were measured by using a system which we developed for the measurement of air cells by computerized digital processing of high-resolution CT images. We examined a total of 41 normal ears in 25 subjects ranging in age from 12 to 82 years (mean age 46.2). The total volume of pneumatization was approximately 4.05 +/- 1.59 ml and the volume of air cells in the tympanic cavity was 0.45 +/- 0.07 ml. Alveolation of the petrous apex was detected in 15 (36.6%) of the 41 ears, and the volume of air cells in the petrous apex was approximately 0.24 +/- 0.26 ml. The volume of air cells in the mastoid antrum was approximately 0.53 +/- 0.20 ml. The ears were divided into two groups, one with petrous alveolation (15 ears) and the other without it (26 ears). The ratios of regional pneumatization to total pneumatization were studied in the two groups. Statistically significant differences were found in the total volume and the volume of air cells in the mastoid antrum between the groups with and without petrous pneumatization (p < 0.05). The total volume of air cells did not correlate to the volumes of air cells in the tympanic cavity, mastoid cavity and petrous apex.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

A new antiherpetic agent, AH-1763 IIa, produced by Streptomyces cyaneus strain no. 1763.

A new antiherpetic agent, AH-1763 IIa, was isolated from the culture broth of strain No. 1763 identified as Streptomyces cyaneus. It was purified through column chromatographies of Diaion HP-10 and silica gel. The structure was determined to be 11-hydroxy-5-methyl-2-(2-hydroxy-1-methylpropyl)-4H-anthraceno [1,2-b]pyran-4,7,12-trione by several spectroscopic experiments, that is a new antibiotic belonging to pluramycin-group.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Antibody responses against Em18 and Em16 serodiagnostic markers in alveolar and cystic echinococcosis patients from northwest China.

Western blot analysis was carried out in order to evaluate new serodiagnostic markers, Em18 and Em16, for differentiation of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) from cystic echinococcosis (CE) using 36 serum samples from hydatid patients from Xinjiang, China, where AE and CE are both endemic and one double infection case has been reported. All AE cases except one (5/6) who exhibited a calcified lesion and a single case of double infection showed antibody responses against Em18 and Em16. Some of CE patient sera (6/22) showed antibody response against Em16 except one who showed that against Em18. Analyses of IgG subclass responses against Em18 and Em16 were carried out using all serum samples showing antibody responses against Em18 and/or Em16 (seven CE, five AE, and one AE + CE) and additional samples of three CE and 22 AE from Sichuan, China. IgG4 was the most predominant antibody subclass. Em18 and Em16 were recognized by both IgG4 and IgG1 (in most cases) or by either IgG4 or IgG1 (in minor cases) or by IgG3 (in very rare cases). Neither Em18 nor Em16 was recognized by IgG2 antibodies. The usefulness of Em18 and Em16 as potential new markers for serological differentiation of human AE and CE, respectively, is discussed.

Antibody Formation↗
PubMed1997

[Tuberculosis in the crew of a submarine].

We report the apparent spread of mycobacterial tuberculosis among a submarine crew from a crew member with a low grade of infectivity. The air-conditioning system of submarines requires completely closed recirculation of ambient air. If a person with pulmonary tuberculosis were in a submarine, one would expect to find a high incidence of tuberculosis among others on the ship. The index patient was a 35-year-old member of a submarine crew. An abnormal shadow was found on a chest roentgenogram during an annual medical checkup, and he was hospitalized for examination. Acid-fast bacilli were found in his gastric secretions, but he did not complain of coughing and no tuberculosis bacilli were found in his sputum. All members of the submarine crew were examined, and some who were on board with the index patient reacted strongly. Because those who were also suspected to be infected were usually not close to the index patient's living quarters and had little contact with the patient in the submarine, we strongly suspect that the closed ventilation system contributed to the spread of the infection. Control of tuberculosis in a sealed environment requires detailed investigation of the environment and completion of chemoprophylaxis. Adequate ventilation and ultraviolet radiation are more effective than decontamination with disinfectants for the control of infectious droplet nuclei. Ships should be equipped with those systems.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Cost effectiveness of image diagnosis].

First, annual cost of electronic filing of medical images were calculated and compared with that of film storage in two hospitals under different conditions. Storage of medical images using a pixel size of 100 microns x 100 microns and 2-byte depth on the 130 mm, 650 MB magneto-optical disks costs with four times as much as the cost for film storage. However, 175 microns x 175 microns 12 bits combined with implementation of lossless compression would reduce the cost to a level equal to that for films storage. Doubled or tripled densities of MOD will improve the cost ever further. Second, the effectiveness of Hospital Information System/Radiological Information System (HIS/RIS) was evaluated. Examination time, film delivery time and the total turn-around time was markedly shortened by more than 23 hours on average. Our measurement method employing IC cards in pre-post HIS/RIS/PACS procedures is generally applicable to other hospitals. Third, to determine the optimal method of maximizing the efficacy of diagnostic imaging, 260 questionnaires were sent to the staff of 13 university hospitals. Every situation was described by both a radiologist and the physician who ordered the examination and received the reports and images. The level of technical efficacy and diagnostic accuracy of radiology strongly influenced the diagnostic thought processes of the physician.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMed1997

Vaccination trials against Taiwan Taenia eggs in pigs injected with frozen oncospheres of Taiwan Taenia, Korea Taenia, T. saginata or T. solium.

When Small-Ear-Miniature pigs subcutaneously injected once with frozen oncospheres of Taiwan Taenia, Korea Taenia, T. saginata or T. solium emulsified with Freund's complete adjuvant (1.6 x 10(4)/0.4 ml) were challenged orally with 1.6 x 10(4) viable eggs of Taiwan Taenia 41 days later, they all showed strong resistance compared with pigs vaccinated with T. solium. Most pigs (5/8) of the former 3 groups harboured no cysticerci. The number of cysticerci was 5.5 +/- 9.1 (mean +/- S.D.), whereas pigs of the T. solium group and control group harboured 160 +/- 30.1 and 661 +/- 637.2 cysticerci, respectively. All cysticerci recovered from vaccinated pigs and most cysticerci in control pigs were degenerated or calcified at 36-55 days after oral egg challenge. These results strongly suggest that oncospheres of Taiwan Taenia and Korea Taenia are very similar to T. saginata in their immunogenicity in pigs.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[The HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Cambodia].

In December 1995 and March 1996, we visited institutes which were conducting epidemiological studied of HIV/AIDS in Cambodia, and obtained data for further collaborative study between Japan and Cambodia. Data included information on AIDS patients and HIV infected persons, and behavioral epidemiology of CSWs (Commercial Sex Workers). The cumulative reported number of AIDS patients and HIV infected persons in Cambodia was 86 and 2,536 cases respectively in 1995. The cause of infection was mostly heterosexual contact with very few cases from injecting drug use (IDU) and other causes. The seroprevalence rate of HIV antibody among donated blood rapidly increased from 0.08% in 1991 to 4.47% in 1995, and those among CSWs and pregnant women were 37.9% and 2.6%, respectively, in 1995. The average rate of condom use among CSWs was 66%, but the rate of usual usage was only 14%. These results indicate that the HIV/AIDS epidemic had spread rapidly through CSWs, that it had been spread among peoples in communities, and that usage of condoms among CSWs was insufficient in Cambodia. Without strong countermeasures against HIV/AIDS in this country, HIV/AIDS epidemic may spread significantly to not only peoples in this country but also those in neighbouring countries in the future.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1997

Evaluation of plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan measurement by the kinetic turbidimetric Limulus test, for the clinical diagnosis of mycotic infections.

The present multicentre clinical study was conducted to assess the clinical utility of a new diagnostic method for deep mycosis in which (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan, a fungal cell wall component existing in plasma, was quantitatively measured by the kinetic turbidimetric Limulus test (WB003). Plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan concentrations were 0.57 +/- 0.10 microgram/l in 92 healthy subjects and 0.62 +/- 0.32 microgram/l in 26 patients with non-mycotic diseases (disease control group). In comparison with these healthy subjects and patients with non-mycotic diseases, patients with mycosis had significantly higher plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan concentrations: 19.63 +/- 73.28 micrograms/l in 12 patients with candidaemia, 11.28 +/- 21.42 micrograms/l in 7 patients with urinary Candida infection, 4.84 +/- 12.71 micrograms/l in 5 patients with pulmonary candidiasis, and 12.21 +/- 31.31 micrograms/l in 4 patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. On the statistical analysis of these data, a cut-off value was set at 1.0 microgram/l. Using this cut-off value, 3 patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis and 4 patients (4/6) with pulmonary aspergilloma were all negative with low plasma (1-->3-beta-D-glucan levels. The test WB003 provided equivalent or higher efficiency of diagnosis of candidiasis and aspergillosis, in comparison with commercially available antigen detection kits, demonstrating its utility as a diagnostic reagent. It may also be useful in assessing therapeutic effectiveness when used periodically after treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Subclinical vestibulo-cerebellar, anterior cerebellar lobe and spinocerebellar effects in lead workers in relation to concurrent and past exposure.

By computerized static posturography, the subclinical effects of past and concurrent lead absorption on the vestibulo-cerebellum (lower vermis), anterior cerebellar lobe and spinocerebellar afferent pathway were examined in 49 male chemical factory workers exposed to lead stearate (lead workers). Their concurrent blood lead (BPb) concentrations ranged from 7 to 36 (mean 18.0) microgram/100 g. In the past, their maximum BPb ranged from 11 to 113 (mean 47.7) micrograms/100 g; mean BPb was 7-52 (mean 23.5) micrograms/100 g; and cumulative BPb, defined as mean BPb x years of exposure, was 15-1268 (mean 390.6) micrograms.year/100 g. Control subjects were 23 healthy male workers who had never been occupationally exposed to lead. The postural sway of high (2-4 Hz) and low (1 Hz or less) frequencies with eyes open for lead workers was significantly greater than that for controls in the medio-lateral (right-left) and anterior-posterior directions. Similarly, the sway of high and low frequencies with eyes closed was significantly larger in lead workers than in controls in the medio-lateral direction. Results of stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the sway with frequencies of 0.5-2 Hz with eyes open was related to concurrent BPb in the anterior-posterior direction. With eyes closed the sway of high frequency was significantly related to mean BPb in the past in the medio-lateral direction. The pattern of the changes suggests that the vestibulo-cerebellum, anterior cerebellar lobe and spinocerebellar pathway are asymptomatically affected by lead. It appears that the change in the vestibulo-cerebellum reflects concurrent lead absorption, while on the other hand, that in the anterior cerebellar lobe reflects past lead absorption.

Adult↗