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Biomedical subjects

A Kondo

Publications and source records attributed to A Kondo.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Urodynamic evaluation of results of endopyelotomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

We treated 13 patients with unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction by percutaneous endopyelotomy, and they were urodynamically evaluated by the Whitaker test and diuresis renography, in addition to excretory urography (IVP). Surgery was uncomplicated in all patients except 1 who required repeat incision 4 weeks later. Obstruction was diagnosed preoperatively by the Whitaker test and diuresis renography in 10 cases, and by IVP in 13. Postoperatively, all 10 patients (100%) with a positive Whitaker test were free of obstruction with a significant reduction in the relative renal pelvic pressure from 35.0 to 8.1 cm. water (p < 0.01). Diuresis renography revealed no obstruction in 8 patients (80%) and persistent obstruction in 2. IVP demonstrated reduced hydronephrosis in 8 of 13 patients (62%) 12 weeks after surgery and in 11 of 13 patients (85%) 19 months later. However, a marked reduction in renal pelvic size was noted in only 3 patients (23%). Flank pain disappeared in 10 of 11 patients (91%) postoperatively. Overall, surgery was successful in 11 of the 13 patients (85%). Percutaneous endopyelotomy was effective in relieving obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction with minor morbidity. The Whitaker test was more sensitive for evaluating the results of surgery than diuresis renography and IVP, although diuresis renography appears to be useful in followup evaluation of hydronephrosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Response of the human urinary bladder to angiotensins: a comparison between neurogenic and control bladders.

The response of the human detrusor muscle to angiotensins was investigated and compared between neurogenic and control bladders. Both angiotensin I and II induced potent contraction of the human detrusor muscle. Saralasin completely inhibited the response to both angiotensins, while verapamil and indomethacin barely suppressed the contractility provoked by angiotensin II. Captopril completely blocked the response to angiotensin I. The contractile response of angiotensin II was abolished in Ca(++)-free Krebs' solution. The contractile strength of the neurogenic bladders induced by both angiotensin I and II was significantly weaker than that of the controls. However, there was no difference in ED50 value between the 2 groups. These results support the hypothesis that angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin converting enzyme in the detrusor, and that angiotensin II subsequently contracts the detrusor muscle through angiotensin II receptors. The bladder contractility induced by the angiotensins was significantly less potent in the neurogenic bladders than in the control.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Transforming growth factor-alpha expression of renal proximal tubules in Wistar rats treated with ferric and aluminum nitrilotriacetate.

A high incidence of renal adenocarcinoma has been observed in rats treated with ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) but not in rats treated with aluminum nitrilotriacetate (Al-NTA). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha is one of the several cytokines that is known to be expressed in human and rat renal adenocarcinomas. However, its role in neoplastic transformation is still questionable. Therefore, we investigated the effect of repeated Fe-NTA and Al-NTA administration on renal TGF-alpha expression. Male Wistar rats were given Fe-NTA (n = 16, 5-10 mg Fe/kg) and Al-NTA (n = 19, 1-2 mg Al/kg) i.p., three times a week for 3 or 12 weeks. Another group of rats (n = 4) was given Fe-NTA (5-10 mg Fe/kg) three times a week for 12 weeks and then left untreated for one year. Immunoreactivity for TGF-alpha was positive in the collecting ducts and on the apical surface of proximal tubules in the outer stripe of the outer medulla in all the animals including NTA-injected control animals. However, TGF-alpha immunoreactivity in the regenerative proximal tubular epithelium was observed only in the animals treated with Fe-NTA for 12 weeks. Northern blot analysis also showed expression of TGF-alpha mRNA only in animals treated with Fe-NTA for 12 weeks. The expression of TGF-alpha mRNA in the kidney was stronger than that in the liver or brain. TGF-alpha was also positive in renal cell carcinoma found in animals treated with Fe-NTA for 12 weeks and left untreated for one year. These results suggest that TGF-alpha expression may play an important role in renal carcinogenesis and that it may be a sensitive marker during the induction stage of renal cell carcinoma.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Response of the human neurogenic bladder to KCl, carbachol, ATP and CaCl2.

The in vitro pharmacological responses of the human neurogenic bladder to KCl, carbachol, ATP and CaCl2 have been analysed. The contractility (contractile strength and ED50) of neurogenic bladders was significantly increased when treated with carbachol, ATP and CaCl2. In contrast, there was no apparent difference in the responsiveness of neurogenic bladders when treated with KCl. There was no apparent correlation between pharmacological responsiveness and clinical parameters, such as gender, age or cystometric data, in the neurogenic bladders.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1993

Frequency-volume charts: comparison of frequency between elderly and adult patients.

Urinary frequency is a common complaint in the elderly and can be due to many different causes. To clarify the aetiology of frequency, patient-maintained frequency-volume charts were evaluated as a diagnostic tool. We studied 215 patients who complained of frequency. They were divided into 2 groups based on age: 85 were over 65 years of age (elderly group) and 130 were less than 64 years old (adult group). Compared with the adults, elderly patients had a smaller urinary volume during waking hours and a larger volume during sleeping hours, with more frequent episodes of voiding and a smaller volume voided during the latter period. Analysis of the cause of frequency led to the patients being subdivided into 6 diagnostic categories. Among elderly patients, nocturnal polyuria (37%) and an unstable bladder (34%) were frequent causes. In adult patients an unstable bladder (28%) and polyuria due to excessive fluid intake (23%) were most common. As a result of our findings, 108 patients were advised not to be concerned about their micturition and/or restriction of fluid intake. Seventy-six patients (35%) required anticholinergic medication. Frequency-volume charts, together with a detailed medical history, provide useful information on the diagnosis and treatment of frequency.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Response of isolated human neurogenic detrusor smooth muscle to intramural nerve stimulation.

The effect of intramural nerve stimulation of isolated strips of human detrusor was investigated and compared with the response of isolated detrusor strips of control bladders. All patients with neurogenic bladder underwent ileocystoplasty in order to resolve intractable incontinence and/or vesicoureteric reflux due to low compliance or severe detrusor uninhibited contractions. The response of isolated strips of neurogenic bladder to field stimulation was significantly greater than the response of isolated strips of control bladders. Tetrodotoxin virtually eliminated the response to field stimulation for both groups. Atropine (10(-6)M) almost completely inhibited the response of control bladder strips to field stimulation (4% of the response remaining), whereas the responses of the strips from neurogenic bladders were inhibited by approximately 70%. Low dose KCl (5 and 10 mM) significantly enhanced the detrusor contractility of control bladders, whereas the response of neurogenic bladders was unchanged. The responses of both groups were significantly inhibited in the presence of 20 mM KCl. The dose response curves and the ED50 values for KCl were similar for both neurogenic and control bladders. The rate of reduction of the response to field stimulation in the presence of zero calcium medium was significantly smaller for the isolated strips of neurogenic bladders than for the control bladders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Host range expansion of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) following recombination of a 0.6-kilobase-pair DNA fragment originating from Bombyx mori NPV.

We have isolated hybrid baculoviruses of Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) and Autographa californica NPV (AcNPV) capable of replicating in both BmN (not susceptible to AcNPV) and SF-21 (not susceptible to BmNPV) cells (A. Kondo and S. Maeda, J. Virol. 65:3625-3632, 1991). Repeated backcross infection of one of these recombinant isolates with AcNPV generated eh-AcNPV, a virus with restriction endonuclease patterns of genomic DNA nearly identical to those of AcNPV but capable of replicating in both BmN and SF-21 cells, i.e., host range expanded. Expanded host range viruses were also isolated following cotransfection of AcNPV DNA with eh-AcNPV DNA cleaved with either HindIII or PstI. Subsequent cotransfection of AcNPV DNA with plasmids from an eh-AcNPV DNA fragment library identified an 11-kbp HindIII fragment that could expand the host range of AcNPV. Subcloning and cotransfection analyses localized a 572-bp SacI-HindIII fragment within this 11-kbp fragment which could alone expand the host range of AcNPV. Mapping and nucleotide sequencing analysis revealed that this fragment was identical to the corresponding 572-bp fragment (BmScH) of BmNPV. Furthermore, this fragment originated from the coding region of the putative DNA helicase gene. Cotransfection of AcNPV DNA with BmScH also generated a host range-expanded virus, eh2-AcNPV. These results indicated that the expanded host range characteristics of eh2-AcNPV were solely the result of recombination within the coding region of the putative DNA helicase gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

[Longterm clinical results of transurethral incision of prostate and bladder neck for benign prostatic hypertrophy].

Early and longterm results of transurethral incision of the prostate and bladder neck (TIPBn) were compared with those of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in treatment of 36 patients with outflow obstruction caused by small benign prostatic hypertrophy. Seventeen patients underwent TIPBn and 19 TURP. Parameters on uroflowmetry (maximum flow rate, average flow rate, voiding time and residual rate) were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups. There was no significant difference in the improvement on uroflowmetry both at early (3 months) and longterm (TIPBn: 12-48, mean 20.1 months, TURP: 12-48, mean 22.2 months) postoperative periods, between the two groups. Subjective symptom of voiding difficulty was remarkably improved in all patients of both groups during early postoperative period. However, at longer follow-up, subjective improvement was preserved in 88.2% in the TIPBn group and 73.7% in the TURP group. A re-operation was needed in 4 cases (21.5%) in the TURP group because of recurrence of obstructive symptom due to postoperative bladder neck contracture, while a second operation has not been performed in the TIPBn group. We conclude that TIPBn can be the preferred surgical treatment of outflow obstruction caused by small benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

[Response of the human neurogenic bladder induced by intramural nerve stimulation].

The detrusor contraction induced by intramural nerve stimulation in human neurogenic bladders was investigated in comparison with control bladders. All the cases with the neurogenic bladder underwent ileocystoplasty in order to resolve intractable incontinence and/or vesicoureteral reflux due to low bladder compliance or severe detrusor uninhibited contraction. 1. The dose-response curve and ED50 value for KCl were not different between neurogenic and control bladders. 2. The response of neurogenic bladders induced by intramural stimulation was significantly stronger than that of control bladders. 3. After application of 10(-6) M atropine remaining contraction of neurogenic bladders was significantly greater than that of control bladders, i.e. 28.4% and 3.7% respectively. However, 10(-6) M tetrodotoxin almost completely inhibited the detrusor contraction in both groups. 4. The subthreshold KCl (5 mM or 10 mM) enhanced the detrusor contractility significantly in control bladders compared to neurogenic bladders. 5. After bathing medium was replaced into Ca-free Krebs' solution, the contractile response was decreased. The contraction of neurogenic bladders in Ca-free solution persisted longer than that of controls. In conclusion, though there was no intrinsic difference in detrusor contractility, contractile response to electrical field stimulation, atropine resistance, enhancement of response by potassium, and contractility in Ca-free solution were significantly different between neurogenic and control bladders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Effects of apolipoprotein E polymorphism on plasma lipoprotein(a) levels.

Effects of apolipoprotein E (apo E) genetic polymorphism on plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels were investigated in 305 civil service workers (158 men and 147 women). Plasma Lp(a) levels were measured by ELISA. Apo E phenotypes were determined from plasma by isoelectric focusing, Western blotting and immunostaining, as we previously reported. A total of 305 subjects were divided into the three apo E groups; apo E2 group (n = 19 for apo E3/2 and n = 4 for apo E4/2), Apo E3/3 group (n = 224) and apo E4/3 group (n = 58). Mean levels of plasma Lp(a) were 14.2 mg/dl. Plasma Lp(a) levels were significantly lower in the apo E2 group (6.6 mg/dl) than in the apo E3/3 (15.1 mg/dl) and E4/3 (13.7 mg/dl) groups. Plasma total cholesterol (T-chol) and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-chol levels were significantly lower in the apo E2 group than in the apo E4/3 group and tended to be highest in the apo E4/3 group. A significant positive correlation was noted between plasma Lp(a) levels and plasma LDL-chol levels, indicating that the effects of apo E polymorphism on plasma Lp(a) levels were parallel to its effects on plasma LDL-chol levels. In women plasma Lp(a) levels were significantly lower in the apo E2 group than in the apo E3/3 and E4/3 groups, whereas in men plasma Lp(a) levels tended to be lower in the apo E2 group but no significant difference was noted among the three apo E groups. It is concluded that plasma Lp(a) levels are, at least in part, modulated by apo E polymorphism (particularly apo E2) and that there is a gender difference in the effects of apo E polymorphism on plasma Lp(a) levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Clinical effects of transabdominal simple hysterectomy on micturition function].

We prospectively investigated micturition function in 68 women who were operated on by transabdominal simple hysterectomy for uterine myoma. Twelve parameters including stress urinary incontinence, obstructive symptoms, irritative symptoms, uroflow curves and amount of residue were subjectively or objectively evaluated before surgery and a mean of 4.4 months post-operatively. Though 55 patients (81%) had had one or more symptoms of micturition disorders prior to operation, surgery significantly reduced this number to 32 (47%) (p < 0.01). Hysterectomy significantly decreased the number of patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence, weak urinary stream, straining micturition, interrupted stream, urgency and frequency in the daytime. The relationship between the weight of the uterus removed and pre-operative symptoms of micturition disorders was assessed. Interrupted stream was present significantly more in the patients with a uterus weighing less than 400 grams and urgency in the patients with a uterus weighing more than 401 grams. We conclude that transabdominal simple hysterectomy is of use to improve micturition disorders pre-operatively recognized.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[A case of macrocystic cervical neurinoma diagnosed by MRI with Gd-DTPA].

The authors report a rare case of a large cystic cervical neurinoma. A 45-year-old female was admitted to our clinic because of motor weakness of the right upper extremity, numbness of the right fingers and right posterior cervical pain. Metrizamide CT myelography demonstrated the outline of a low density mass. MRI showed a mass revealing low signal intensity on T1-weighted image, high signal intensity on T2-weighted image and marginal enhancement on contrast image with Gd-DTPA. The mass which was diagnosed as cystic tumor, was located in the intradural extramedullary space between C4 to C5 segments. After C4 through C5 laminectomy, the tumor was found to originate from the C5 anterior motor root. The tumor consisted mostly of a cystic part with a very thin solid compartment beneath the capsule. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful. Although spinal neurinoma is one of the most common spinal tumors, an almost completely degenerated large cystic spinal neurinoma is extremely rare. MRI with Gd-DTPA was useful for the diagnosis of the cystic neurinoma by clearly enhancing the margin of the tumor.

Cysts↗
PubMed1992

Monitor peptide gene expression is increased by exogenous CCK in the rat pancreas and in a rat pancreatic acinar cell line (AR4-2J).

Monitor peptide (CCK-releasing peptide) mRNA increased on the administration of CCK in rat pancreas and the AR4-2J pancreatic cell line. Subcutaneous injection of CCK into rats at 8 h intervals increased the level of monitor peptide mRNA in the pancreas. Concomitant injection of CCK antagonist CR-1409 strongly decreased it. The monitor peptide mRNA was also increased by CCK in AR4-2J cells and was decreased by the antagonist. These findings suggest that the plasma CCK induced by prolonged intake of a high protein diet may be responsible for the adaptative increase in the monitor peptide as well as exocrine proteases in the pancreas.

Amylases↗
PubMed1992

Early myelination in zitter rat: morphological, immunocytochemical and morphometric studies.

Early myelination in zitter rat was investigated by light and electron microscopic observations, by immunostaining for myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and by morphometric analysis from the 1st to the 28th day of age. Although the commencement of myelination in zitter rats was not delayed in comparison with control rats, the density or the number of myelinated fibers in zitter rats was significantly below that in controls, both in the ventral column of the cervical spinal cord and in the optic nerve. In contrast, the density or the number of aberrant myelin sheaths was increased in zitter rats, and this difference became more marked with increasing age. The persistent presence of abnormal membranous structures associated with the oligodendroglial nuclear membrane and the increased number of aberrant myelin sheaths were characteristic to the zitter mutation, although these alterations were also observed transiently in control rats. Quantitative analysis supported the proposition that hypomyelination in zitter rats is primarily pathological and becomes more prominent with advancing age. However, the fundamental structure of the myelin lamellae appeared to be normal and the immunoreactivities for MBP, PLP and MAG were slightly delayed and weakend in comparison with age-matched controls. Thus, in zitter rat there is the functional abnormality of the oligodendrocytes to integrate the processes of membrane biosynthesis and to expel excessive production of membranous structures associated with the membranous organellae such as nuclear membrane, and it is postulated that this functional abnormality is characteristic to only the zitter mutation.

Aging↗
PubMed1992

HTLV-I infection in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

To investigate the possible relationship of HTLV-I virus infection to autoimmune thyroid disease, we examined, firstly, the frequency of HTLV-I seropositivity among patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and, secondly, the frequency of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in patients with HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Of 144 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in the Tokushima and Kochi Prefectures, Japan, 9 (6.3%) were positive for serum HTLV-I virus antibody 2 of whom were confirmed histologically to have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This percentage is significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the estimated prevalence (2.2%) of HTLV-I carriers among the general population in this region. Of 9 patients with HAM/TSP, 3 (33.3%), including 2 biopsy-proven cases, had evidence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This proportion is apparently much higher than the prevalence (1.7%) of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in the general population. These findings suggest that HTLV-I virus may be related to the development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Analysis of oligosaccharides by on-line high-performance liquid chromatography and ion-spray mass spectrometry.

Oligosaccharides were analyzed by a combination of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). First, oligosaccharides labeled with 2-aminopyridine were studied to see if they could be analyzed by MS under the conditions used for separation by HPLC. Pyridylamino (PA)-oligosaccharides could be analyzed under these conditions, although the mass spectra were affected. Then, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze a PA-oligosaccharide mixture derived from human immunoglobulin G. The PA-oligosaccharides were separated on a reversed-phase column and mass-analyzed directly. The observed molecular weights were close to or identical to those expected from the structures, which were estimated from the elution position on HPLC. This method is rapid and simple, as the mass spectrometer can give the accurate molecular weight of each PA-oligosaccharide in one chromatography run, even if the HPLC separation is incomplete. This method can be used to extend the so-called two-dimensional mapping of PA-oligosaccharides. The structure can be studied in greater detail by tandem MS.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗
PubMed1992

Intraventricular craniopharyngioma: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Two unusual cases of purely intraventricular craniopharyngioma are presented. Both patients complained of headache as a sign of increasing intracranial pressure, but neither other neurological deficits nor hormonal disorders were present. Magnetic resonance images showed a mass lesion located within the third ventricle. Surgery confirmed that these two tumors were completely confined within the third ventricle, and histologically they proved to be squamous papillary craniopharyngiomas. Review of the literature demonstrates that craniopharyngiomas at this location have many common features and would appear to form a distinct entity.

Adult↗