[Early diagnosis for hepatitis severity and fulminant hepatitis in patients with acute hepatitis(type B): biochemical, physiological and physical methods].
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A Watanabe.
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A 60-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of nausea, thirst, and dyspnea on exertion. She had skin eruptions on her back and right knee. Her serum calcium level was 12.6 mg/dl. The chest roentgenogram showed diffuse nodular shadows in both lung fields. The level of angiotensin-converting enzyme in serum was markedly high, and epithelioid cell granulomas were found in the specimens obtained by skin biopsy and by transbronchial lung biopsy. Sarcoidosis was diagnosed. After administration of prednisolone, the serum calcium level decreased to within the normal range and the shadows on the chest roentgenogram resolved. Hypercalcemia complicated with sarcoidosis is caused by overproduction of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in granulomas. The content of 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D in the transbronchial lung biopsy specimen from this patient was higher than that from a sarcoidosis patient whose serum calcium level was normal. A few case reports of sarcoidosis with hypercalcemia have been published in Japan. The association with HLA type and the possibility of overintake of dietary vitamin D are discussed in reference to hypercalcemia in this patient.
Urinalysis, hematological and blood chemical examinations and measurement of organ weights were carried out for the purpose of collecting background data on Weiser-Maples (WM) which was established as an inbred strain of guinea pigs. The results were compared with those for the commercial guinea pigs, Std: Hartley (H). In addition, the measurement methods for urinary specific gravity and whether centrifugation of urine influences the results of urinalysis or not were examined. The specific gravity values calculated from the volume and weight of urine were highly correlated with those from the refraction rate. The results of urinalysis of the supernatant of centrifuged urine were similar to those of urine not centrifuged, but the results suggested that the use of the supernatant provided a more accurate measurement of urine in guinea pigs. The positive rate for urinary protein was higher in the WM strain (38.9%) than in the H strain (0%). Although the WM strain showed higher or lower values than the H strain in some items of hematological and blood chemical examinations and organ weights, we could not regard them as characteristic of the WM strain.
Conformational changes in platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa, whose nature is not defined, lead to exposure of fibrinogen binding sites. We have reported previously that F(ab')2 fragments of a monoclonal antibody, PMA4, directed against the GPIIb-IIIa complex-specific domain, induced binding of fibrinogen to platelets without causing intracellular activation, whereas Fab did not. In this study, we examined the mechanism responsible for the difference in the ability of PMA4 F(ab')2 and Fab to expose fibrinogen binding sites. PMA4 Fab had affinity for GPIIb-IIIa similar to that of PMA4 F(ab')2. Addition of F(ab')2 goat anti-mouse Fab antibody to cross-link PMA4 Fab-bound GPIIb-IIIa molecules induced fibrinogen binding. There was a direct correlation between the number of molecules of PMA4 F(ab')2 and the amount of fibrinogen bound. PMA4 did not recognize ligand-induced binding sites (LIBS). These results suggest that the cross-linking of special sites on the GPIIb-IIIa complex-specific domain by bivalent antibody alters the conformation of GPIIb-IIIa to a state competent to bind soluble fibrinogen and that conformational changes in non-LIBS are involved in the mechanism for exposing fibrinogen binding sites on GPIIb-IIIa.
Serum levels of soluble forms of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-3 (sLFA-3) in 122 patients with chronic liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Serum levels of sICAM-1 in patients with HCC were significantly higher than those of chronic hepatitis (CH) and cirrhosis. On the other hand, serum levels of sLFA-3 in patients with HCC were almost the same as those of cirrhosis. Western blot analyses showed that molecular sizes of sICAM-1 and sLFA-3 detected in the sera were 90 kd and 50 kd, respectively, indicating that both molecules include whole extracellular domains. In patients with HCC, circulating sICAM-1 levels were significantly (P < .001) correlated with tumor volume (r = .50), total bilirubin (r = .38), serum aspartate aminotransferase levels (r = .51), and gamma-globulin (r = .63). Furthermore, serum sICAM-1 levels were significantly elevated in patients with multiple HCC (tumor number > 3) or HCC with tumor embolus in the first branch or trunk of portal vein. Survival periods were analyzed in relation to serum sICAM-1 levels in patients with HCC who had been treated by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. The HCC patients with < 1,000 ng/mL of serum ICAM-1 showed significantly (P = .0005) longer survival than those with higher levels of the molecule. The same results were obtained when only patients with moderately differentiated HCC were analyzed (P = .02). Analyses by Cox's proportional hazard model showed that sICAM-1 is a significant (P = .032) prognostic factor for patients with HCC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the in vivo and in vitro tensile bond strengths of a 4-META/MMA-TBB adhesive resin (Superbond C&B, C&B-Metabond) to human dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caries-free teeth present on patients and scheduled for extraction for orthodontic reasons were used. Flat dentin surfaces were prepared and a 4-META/MMA-TBB resin applied. After 10 minutes, the teeth were extracted. Extracted caries-free teeth were also used and treated similarly. Tensile bond strength was evaluated and all specimens were sectioned immediately after bond testing, after polishing the debonded area or after treating the surfaces with HCl acid. RESULTS: Data were analyzed statistically, and no significant differences could be determined between third molars and first premolars, and in vivo and in vitro specimens. Further, tensile stress fractured specimens were examined under scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Widths (+/- 5 microns) of hybrid layers and impregnation of adhesive monomers into 10-3 solution demineralized vital human dentin substrates were essentially similar to those observed in extracted samples. The adhesive resin penetrated tubules to form resin tags, unimpeded by intra-tubular fluid under physiologic pressure in intra-orally prepared specimens. A hybrid layer formed on resin tags to seal against microleakage and pulpal attack by bacteria and their by-products. An acid-resistant hybrid layer was also observed in enamel. Finally, hydroxyapatite crystals that were encapsulated by polymerized 4-META/MMA-TBB resin was observed at the bases of resin-reinforced hybrid layers in the human dentin substrates. This observation is consistent with earlier findings and appears to be essential in maintaining durable dentin bonds.
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Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung presenting in childhood is extremely uncommon. A 7-year-old girl was referred to our hospital with complaint of persistent cough and abnormal shadow on the chest roentgenogram. Bronchoscopic biopsy revealed a bronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma and a left pneumonectomy was performed. The histopathological examination revealed intermediate grade malignancy without any metastasis in mediastinal lymph nodes. She is now doing well without any evidence of recurrence 2 years after the operation.
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Bronchography is not routinely done. We analyzed the state of bronchography with questionnaires returned from 57 hospitals. Bronchography is now done at 30 hospitals. The number done in 1992 ranged from 1 to 27 (median 3). Peripheral lung cancer and bronchiectasis were the two most frequent diseases for which bronchography was done. In other hospitals, bronchography was once done, but had been stopped. Two reasons for discontinuation of bronchography are: recent progress in radiographic diagnostic techniques such as high resolution CT, and discomfort of the patient. Now that propyliodone is no longer available, some hospitals may use iopydol-iopydone or iopamidol instead. It is necessary to elucidate the true need for bronchography and for an appropriate contrast medium to take the place of propyliodone.
We investigated hemodynamic and blood gas changes in eight patients undergoing femoral neck prosthetic replacement. We measured blood pressure, heart rate, pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac output and blood gas before packing bone cement with a cement gun and 5, 10, and 15 min after the insertion of the prosthesis. Significant increases in mean pulmonary artery pressure, and arterial PCO2 were observed, but there were no significant changes in mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, or arterial PaO2. These pulmonary circulatory and blood gas alterations suggested that pulmonary embolism or pulmonary vasospasm had been brought about by the insertion of the prosthesis, but this did not result in systemic changes in the patients in this study. In conclusion, it is recommended to monitor circulatory and respiratory changes closely to detect pulmonary embolism during femoral neck prosthetic replacement using a cement gun.
Matrix metalloproteinase-II (MMP-II, 72-kd type IV collagenase, or gelatinase) is one of the gene families of zinc enzymes capable of degrading extracellular matrix molecules, and specifically of degrading type IV and V collagens, gelatin, fibronectin, and elastin. In this study, we used both the liver fibrosis model and the reversibility model of experimental cirrhosis to clarify how MMP-II participates in liver fibrosis of rats. To produce fibrosis model, rats received subcutaneous injections of CCl4 twice weekly for 7, 9, or 14 weeks. For the reversibility model, rats were treated with CCl4 three times a week for 8 weeks and killed at 3, 7, 14, 28, or 42 days after discontinuation of treatment. MMP-II gene expression was studied by Northern hybridization technique, and gelatinase activity of MMP-II was examined by zymography using gelatin substrate. At the same time, an immunohistochemical study using anti-type IV collagen antibody was carried out. In liver fibrosis model, nodule formation was established at 14 weeks. Immunodeposit of type IV collagen was increased in wide fibrous septa and was clearly observed along sinusoidal wall. Gene expression of MMP-II increased up to 7 to 12 times compared with that of controls, with the expression rate being maximum at an intermediate stage of fibrosis. Zymography showed the expressions of both 65-kd latent MMP-II, which is confirmed to be activated by adding p-aminophenylmercuric acetate, and 62-kd active MMP-II during fibrosis. The expression of both forms increased 13 to 28 times as the fibrosis progressed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
We describe a 69-year-old man who developed chylothorax after a 9-year remission of malignant lymphoma. The patient was admitted to our hospital and received exploratory laparotomy for ileus in February 1986. Bulky masses in the posterior mediastinum and the retroperitoneum, and also a jejunal tumor were observed. Fibrosis of the liver was also observed. The jejunal tumor was removed and histological findings revealed diffuse large B-cell malignant lymphoma. He was treated by combination chemotherapy and remission was achieved. He was discharged in June and remained in remission, but was readmitted for right pleural effusion in October 1994. Effusion was chylous and the chylomicron level was estimated to be 181 mg/dl. Liver cirrhosis also developed but there was no chylous ascites. Chylorrhea disappeared after continuous aspiration, but recurred in December. Continuous aspiration was ineffective, therefore 10 KE of OK-432 was administered twice into the pleural cavity, and chylorrhea again disappeared. No findings suggestive of malignant lymphoma were not detected by computerized tomography and gallium scintigram. He was discharged in March 1995 and chylothorax has not recurred since. These findings suggest that the fragility of the thoracic duct which had been infiltrated by malignant lymphoma might increase, resulting in rupture, even if in remission.
In recent years it has gradually become possible to have some control over the medical condition of the end-stage cancer patient. However, there are various problems involved in the continuation of home care. In order to clarify how the mutual relationship between patient and caregiver effects the continuation of home care, we conducted a study on 28 end-stage cancer patients who made the transition from our hospital to home care by means of our HOme Care Service. Using the Kaneda Assessment Score, we obtained information from patients' charts, added reasons for rehospitalizations and analyzed the data. The results showed that the group of patients who remained on home care, despite the fact that their condition was significantly poorer than that of the group who discontinued home care, showed a significantly higher proportion of "wishing to be cared for at home to the last," in the view of the caregiver, a joint commitment of the caregiver together with the family, and a suitable response to changes in the patient. As a direction for forthcoming support in this area, there is a need for sufficient assessment in order to evaluate the balance between caregiver and family. It was suggested that guidance in each case and the use of community resources will be very important.
We developed a discharge planning (DSP) procedure as a method to assess the family and cancer patient situation when making the shift to home care, and we herewith report its significance. DSP is intended to sustain the patient's quality of life (QOL) and improve it; for a smooth transition to treatment at home, the family and patient situation must be assessed from various perspectives. The prospective illness conditions, needed medical treatment and care should be appropriately planned, with due recognition of the roles to be played and the requisite pooling of professional information in order to handle emergencies and the like when such arise. In the present study, in order to clarify issues dealing with DSP effectiveness, we compared 34 patients on home care, 17 before DSP and 17 thereafter. The results indicated that following the introduction of DSP, the home care increased for patients with gastroenterological problems such as pain, general debilitation, poor appetite, constipation, diarrhea and the like and those impulsiveness, vomiting and mental symptoms overlapping. With the proper assessment at the time of the transition to home care, this care could be continued. Moreover, with patient satisfaction, there was the need for assessment over the course in order to evaluate treatment and care. In the days to come, there is the need to improve this approach with a scoring system in the evaluation.
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Cerulenin, an antifungal antibiotic produced by Cephalosporium caerulens, is a potent inhibitor of fatty acid synthase in various organisms, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The antibiotic inhibits the enzyme by binding covalently to the active center cysteine of the condensing enzyme domain. We isolated 12 cerulenin-resistant mutants of S. cerevisiae following treatment with ethyl methanesulfonate. The mechanism of cerulenin resistance in one of the mutants, KNCR-1, was studied. Growth of the mutant was over 20 times more resistant to cerulenin than that of the wild-type strain. Tetrad analysis suggested that all mutants mapped at the same locus, FAS2, the gene encoding the alpha subunit of the fatty acid synthase. The isolated fatty acid synthase, purified from the mutant KNCR-1, was highly resistant to cerulenin. The cerulenin concentration causing 50% inhibition (IC50) of the enzyme activity was measured to be 400 microM, whereas the IC50 value was 15 microM for the enzyme isolated from the wild-type strain, indicating a 30-fold increase in resistance to cerulenin. The FAS2 gene was cloned from the mutant. Sequence replacement experiments suggested that an 0.8 kb EcoRV-HindIII fragment closely correlated with cerulenin resistance. Sequence analysis of this region revealed that the GGT codon encoding Gly-1257 of the FAS2 gene was altered to AGT in the mutant, resulting in the codon for Ser. Furthermore, a recombinant FAS2 gene, in which the 0.8 Kb EcoRV-HindIII fragment of the wild-type FAS2 gene was replaced with the same region from the mutant, when introduced into FAS2-defective S. cerevisiae complemented the FAS2 phenotype and showed cerulenin resistance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)